Memphis, a vibrant Tennessee hub that experienced hard times in the 1960s due to Dr Martin Luther King's assassination. A mass exodus of businesses hollowed out downtown and many abandoned buildings fell into disrepair. But now Memphis architecture is experiencing a comeback, drawing in world-renowned architects and designers from around the globe.
Memphis architects are renowned for their creativity and innovation, emphasizing sustainability, social interaction and community development. They take great pride in preserving Memphis' historic roots while creating transformative spaces for people to live, work and play in.
They provide architectural services to a range of clients throughout the city. Their capabilities also encompass urban planning, landscape design and interiors.
Their projects range from residential and commercial construction, to industrial and public buildings. They have earned numerous awards in this field of practice.
The name 'Memphis Design' comes from Bob Dylan's song "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again", a playful yet meaningful way to describe their aesthetic.
Ettore Sottsass founded Memphis Design in 1980 from his Milan living room. He brought together designers from around the world to revolutionize the fashion industry and created an iconic new style that became instantly recognizable around the globe.
Sottsass was inspired by art movements and historical figures to create his designs. Additionally, he drew upon his personal experiences traveling and meeting different cultures for inspiration. Reinterpreting traditional forms in an inventive yet bold manner has resulted in his designs becoming staples of modern design.
He was a pioneer of Memphis Design and widely recognized for his distinctive aesthetics and visionary style. He's credited with reviving abandoned buildings in the city, as well as transforming Memphis' iconic Cotton Club into The Standard.
One of the world's foremost artists and designers within Memphis Design is Spanish artist Javier Mariscal, born in 1950 and starting his career in 1989. He's renowned for his vibrant, colourful designs which have been showcased at some of the world's most renowned institutions; his 1981 serving trolley is now part of Victoria & Albert Museum's permanent collection.
Barbara Radice is another important figure in the Memphis Design movement. She was a long-term partner of Sottsass and played an influential role in its growth. Additionally, Barbara has authored multiple books about Sottsass' life and work.
She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and her work has been showcased at several museums. Additionally, she has written articles for numerous magazines and co-authored a book on Sottsass's work.
She is often mentioned alongside Sottsass, as her designs bear such striking resemblance to his. Her work has been showcased at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Design Museum London; additionally, some of her furniture designs can be found in permanent collections at both Victoria & Albert Museums in London.
