MID-CENTURY MODERN IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Cypress Lake Junior/senior high school

McBryde Frizzell Architects

Built
1962

The original Cypress Lake Junior/Senior High (now Cypress Lake Middle School) and Lee Junior School (demolished) were built pre-air conditioning - ideal for understanding a type of building perfectly tailored to a sub-tropical climate.

These prototypes schools were labeled "Finger Schools". Extending out like paired fingers from a central open-air corridor classroom buildings were long and thin with large operable windows along their length, allowing breezes to flow while taking full advantage of the daylight.

Events

11.11.11

EXHIBIT OPENING
learning from modern: a celebration of mid-century design
11.17.11

LECTURE
paul rudolph + the modern architecture of swfl
12.07.11

WALKING TOUR
downtown fort myers + reception
12 : 8 : 2011

LECTURE
mid-century furniture classics
3 : 24 : 2012

AIA Bus Tour to Venice

McMo_SWFL

Learning from Modern : A Celebration of Mid-Century Design

McMo SWFL explores and identifies Southwest Florida structures built fifty to sixty years ago. Some have remained standing for more than half a century, while others have perished, but all provide the opportunity to see what has survived in this harsh climate and what has not, what still works and why, and learn which building methods and materials are best for Southwest Florida. Closely examining this earlier indigenous architecture will furnish insight into why and what buildings really work in a sub-tropical environment. The aim is not only to look back and admire these beautiful structures but also to take the opportunity to define what good design means in Southwest Florida - in order to build more effectively and appropriately for the future.