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| April 1958 |
Matsumoto Residence Chosen for World's Fair
Architect
George Matsumoto, AIA of Raleigh
George Matsumoto, architect and professor at N.C. State College School of Design, was selected to show his residence in the U.S. Pavillion of the World's Fair opening in Brussels in April of 1958. A 30X40 inch model of the home was used to represent the home.
The 26X48 foot home in Raleigh, NC was set in a one acre wooded lot with a stream cutting through the grounds. It includes three bedrooms, an L-shaped living-dining area, bath, kitchen, and large screened porch on the first level. On the second level, there is a studio, car port, mechanic area, and storage space.
The home also received an AIA Honor Award in July of 1957.
Following World War II, the early mid-century movement largely began to show up in the tract-housing developments introducing simple gable rooflines, private garages and large private outdoor living area to the back of the house. The 1950's can be characterized by a dramatic shift away from highly stylized and ornamental details in both architecture and home furnishings. Architects introduce a new type of detailing focusing on the simplicity of line, and the rearranging of living space. Though the Matsumoto (shown above) is an extreme example of the changes seen in the 1950’s, it clearly expresses the rejection of ornate detailing previously seen in the grand plantations and carefully detailed craftsman homes. It also begins to suggest the importance of personal property and ownership as the Matsumoto house spreads out across much of the site.
