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Collection by Two Paddles Design

Modernism Inspiration in Nature

At the core of modern design is simply a lack of endornment, a rejection of earlier more ornate movements with clean simple lines and shapes. Where else more than nature can these basic values be seen? We will be adding to this collection as we feel inspired.

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A carpet of moss covers a Pacific Northwest tree in fall
A carpet of moss covers a Pacific Northwest tree in fall
Sunlight struggles through fall leaves
Sunlight struggles through fall leaves
We have endless debates over the question "when did Mid Century Modernism peak"? But nature always wins the argument and we are constantly circling around asking for inspiration.
We have endless debates over the question "when did Mid Century Modernism peak"? But nature always wins the argument and we are constantly circling around asking for inspiration.
Traditional building materials such as wood and stone can be used in simplified ways reflecting a modern aesthetic. These simple patterns are often repeated in nature.
Traditional building materials such as wood and stone can be used in simplified ways reflecting a modern aesthetic. These simple patterns are often repeated in nature.
Although natures colors can be bold, it is always with a purpose and a function that is rooted in it's surroundings.
Although natures colors can be bold, it is always with a purpose and a function that is rooted in it's surroundings.
Emphasis on honesty of materials is another hallmark characteristic of modernism, but what could be more honest than if each part nature has evolved to serve a specific purpose?
Emphasis on honesty of materials is another hallmark characteristic of modernism, but what could be more honest than if each part nature has evolved to serve a specific purpose?
The best modern architecture is highly efficient. Oriented to take advantage of nature’s forces to provide passive solar heating and cooling.
The best modern architecture is highly efficient. Oriented to take advantage of nature’s forces to provide passive solar heating and cooling.
Generous use of glass is a hallmark of modern architecture. However this still separates of from our surroundings and the natural light which modernism embraces.
Generous use of glass is a hallmark of modern architecture. However this still separates of from our surroundings and the natural light which modernism embraces.
What could be more elegant and simple than a plants growth?
What could be more elegant and simple than a plants growth?
Emphasis of horizontal and vertical lines can be seen everywhere in the forest but often times with a gentle twist that comes from growing up outdoors.
Emphasis of horizontal and vertical lines can be seen everywhere in the forest but often times with a gentle twist that comes from growing up outdoors.
Materials should be used in uncomplex ways and what could be less complex than if every system performs a specific function?
Materials should be used in uncomplex ways and what could be less complex than if every system performs a specific function?
It's not that nature is not ornate. In fact some of the most ornate things imaginable are in nature. However when nature is ornate it serves a purpose like attracting a mate or distracting prey.
It's not that nature is not ornate. In fact some of the most ornate things imaginable are in nature. However when nature is ornate it serves a purpose like attracting a mate or distracting prey.