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A Graves coffee pot on display in 2010 at the exhibition Tea & Coffee Piazza 1983 for the Grassi Museum of Applied Arts in Leipzig , Germany Photograph: Eckehard Schulz/AP |
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In the months following that fated February night, there was much that propelled Graves through his recovery, including his resolve not to die in the hospital because it was “so ugly.” Having progressed through eight hospitals and four rehabilitation centers, the architect was all too familiar with the design failings of our healthcare system. On his first day in a wheelchair, Graves was given the challenge to dress and shave himself. “That was extraordinary for me,” he says. “I couldn’t turn on the water, I couldn’t plug in the razor, I couldn’t look in the mirror. And this is a hospital very well known for therapy. At that point I said to myself, ‘I am going to do something about this. I am a designer, I’m an architect; I’ve got the bully pulpit.’”One of Graves most notable building projects is located in the city where I live. The Portland Building in the center of Portland stands as a testament to the architects ability to reinvent the way we look at the world around us. I have often thought that the building hinted of Walt Disney and Ayn Rand. It is just so unusually I cannot help but smile when I look at it. Long time Portlanders are still getting used to it's appearance.
But for me Graves was so much more. He somehow knew that we all need beauty no matter where we are. An elderly person should not be subjected to "ugly" in their home and certainly not in a hospital or care facility. Humor, color, unique design go a long way in helping the healing process.
I have always thought I would recognized the Graves design no matter where I saw it. I loved the Target tea kettles and I think this wheelchair is nothing short of amazing. It was one of his first designs following his illness. Michael was 80. The man will be greatly missed.
Just a thought.
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I've always loved his designs, especially for utilitarian, around-the-house things. and more especially the tea kettle. Thanks for sharing a little bit about his background and how he came to design for beauty in everyday items.
ReplyDeleteI have written about Graves before and have always admired his willingness to own his world and make it better. He is such a role model for everyone. Plus, as I understand it, he was a marvelous teacher.
DeleteI wasn't aware of his wheelchair design. It's too bad it was never adopted into everyday use. For the most part, the ones I see look so boring and restricting.
ReplyDeleteHe will be missed.
Yes, the wheelchair is something I have thought needed some jazzing up for years. My mother's was ugly and the foot rests kept disappearing in her nursing facility. It was very frustrating!
DeleteI did not know of Michael Graves, but thanks for bringing us some of his work. He's an inspiration to all, esp. those of us who are getting older and beginning to face the realities of physical restrictions.
ReplyDeleteHe has giving us hope. When he went after the American Disabilities Act for missing the mark he did us all a great service. I was an admirer.
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