Michael Graves was an american architect. Graves was born in 1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned his bachelors degree at the University of Cincinnati and his masters at Harvard University. He taught at Princeton for approximately 40 years. He was part of the New York Five, a group of architects whose photographed work was the subject of CASE (Committee of Architects for the Study of Environment). He was also a member of the Memphis Group, a group focused on work typicaly featuring asymetrical colourful design elements. In the 1960s and 1970s Graves worked in the modern style. However, he is best known for his postmodern style. Postmodern being the style that came about in reaction to the simplicity of the modern style. His most iconic buildings are the Portland Building in Oregon, the Humana Building in Kentucky and the expansion of the Denver Public Library in Colorado. His style also falls into the New Urbanism and New Classical Architecture. New Urbanism being the movement to create environmentaly friendly spaces. New Classical Architecture which is the intregration of classical elements into contemporary design. He was a major influence in the three styles.
Alexander House, 1971
Snyderman House, 1972
This is an important design because although of the modernist style it is quite elaborate it is hinting at things to come.
Portland Building, 1982
This building was in great contrast to what was being built at the time. Important design elements are the contrasting colours and the use of reimagined classical elements.
Riverbend Music Centre, 1984
This outdoor amphitheatre was built to enable the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to perform outdoors during the summer months.
Humana Building, 1985
Known as the “Milk Carton”, each side of this building is slightly different. It is capped by a pyramidal shape.
Crown Building, 1986
Team Disney Building, 1986
Disney HQ features large figures of dwarves that act as caryatids suporting the pediment.
Dolphin Resort Orlando, 1987
Swan Resort, Orlando, 1987
Denver Public Library, 1990
“Known for his surreal and “entertainment” architecture; Graves’ implemented traditional post-modern motifs of abstracted classical forms, natural materials, and colours commonly found in past centuries” – Archdaily
Hyatt Regency, Fukuoka, Japan
1990
Thomson Consumer Electronics, Indianapolis
1992
Astrid Park Plaza Hotel and Business Centre Antwerp Belgium
1993
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, The Hague, Netherlands
1993
Sheraton Miramar Resort ElGouna Egypt
1995
Beatly Central Library, Alexandria
1996
Miele Inc HQ Princeton NJ
1996
NCAA HQ and Hall of Champions, Indianapolis
1997
De Luwte Loenen Netherlands
2003
St Coletta of Greater Washington DC
2006
The Nouwman Museum, The Hague, Netherlands
2010
