Palm Springs Swimming Pool Number 6


If you've never heard of mid-century modern, you've probably never visited Palm Springs. It's known as a mid-century modern Disneyland.

So just what is mid-century modern? Well, take a look at the image above, noticing the floor-to-ceiling glass for inside/outside living, the the roof-line, which is split into two parts and angels upward toward the sky (more dramatic example at this mid-century modern soaring roof  link), and post-and-beam construction.

I took this image years ago on color film. If you look closely, you can see the grain in the image (enlarge and look at the sky).

Now, for the swimming pool. What do you think is mid-century modern about that? Since it's not kidney-shaped, it's not really a classic. There are very few original kidney-shaped pools left in the city.

It is, however, constructed with large slabs of unfinished concrete, which is definitely a clue that is mid-century modern style (although many pools built today have concrete sides, but not quite as elaborate of a form, meaning the way in which it the slab rises above the ground at the edges).

So, did I miss anything. What else makes a pool have the mid-century modern style?

Find out by reading Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography, 1945-1982.