Join us on May 4 for a lecture and tour of the Raymond Farm Center for Living Arts and Design.
1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Lecture
Pioneering Modern Architecture in Japan, Asia & America: The Work and Life of Antonin and Noémi Raymond
Presented by RFC Executive Director John DeFazio AIA
European-born American architect and designer Antonin and Noémi Pernessin Raymond first worked for Frank Lloyd Wright in 1915-16 at Taliesin, and then again in 1919, in Japan, on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Antonin was the project architect, and Noémi assisted with its interiors and decorative art design elements. After their tenure under Wright, Noémi, and Antonin set up their own architectural offices in Japan, where they would live and practice, constructing over 150 projects—residences, embassies, clubs, universities, churches, schools, corporation headquarters, and factories.
By the late 1920s, they had the most avant-grade practice in Asia as proponents of the then-just emerging International Style. By the late 1930s, they evolved their unique fusion of modernism and vernacular architecture to portent the Regional Modernism in America and Scandinavia of the 1940s and 50s that better responded to climate and culture.
During the War Years (1936-1950), the Raymonds returned to America to practice and teach-- creating the New Hope Experiment at the Raymond Farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania. In 1950, they returned to Tokyo to assist it in rebuilding Japan in the Post-war era, -- building over 450 projects from 1951 until their retirement in 1970.
The work of the Raymonds became the foundation of Modern Architecture in Asia. Today, Antonin Raymond is known in Japan as the “Father of Modern Architecture,” and Noémi Pernessin Raymond is recognized by the Museum of Modern Art in the pantheon of great women designers of the 20th century. The work and lives of Noémi and Antonin Raymond stand among the great design collaborations of the 20th century.
2:30 PM- 4:00 PM
House Tour of the Raymond Farm
120 acres currently make up the Raymond Farm, which was purchased by Antonin and Noémi Raymond in 1938. The Raymonds were attracted to the property due to the sturdy construction of both the bank barn and Quaker farm house. Within a few years, the Raymonds had a bustling modern farm, which also served as an atelier where architects and artists came to hone their craft. The Raymond Farm was also home to the Raymonds' grandchildren and great grandchildren, and is still managed by the Raymond family.
Registration is required. Spots are limited.
First time visiting the Raymond Farm Center? Please review these house policies before your visit.
- Parking is available in the grassy field to the left of the Raymond Farm Center. Signs for parking will be posted on event days.
- Due to the historic architecture of the building, the farmhouse is not accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs and may be limited to individuals with mobility issues. Stairs are required to see all the spaces in the farmhouse.
- Shoes must be removed to enter the farmhouse to protect the floors. Socks are required. Shoe covers are available to individuals who can not remove their shoes.
- Please do not sit on the historic chairs. Many are old and unstable.
- Do not touch or move sculptures, artwork, books, and other objects on display without permission. Take care not to step on the rugs to help preserve them.
- The paper on the shoji doors and windows are delicate. Use the wood handles if you must move the panels.
- Weather appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended. Expect to walk on some grassy and uneven areas.
