Gerald Luss, a key figure in defining midcentury modern design, passed away at 98. Luss was renowned for his innovative office and residential interiors, most notably his design for the Time-Life offices in Manhattan, which became a quintessential example of the era's aesthetic.
Time-Life Offices: Luss created a flexible office space using a "plenum system" with modular grids for easy reconfiguration. He incorporated art by Josef Albers and Fritz Glarner, and prioritized employee comfort with bright colors and comfortable fabrics.
Residential Design: His 1955 hillside home in Ossining, NY, showcased minimalist design with cypress and oak paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Design Philosophy: Luss believed offices should be as carefully planned as homes, emphasizing comfort and aesthetics in the workplace.
Later Work: Luss designed a penthouse apartment with contrasting materials, such as verde antique stone and oak detailing. In his later years, he designed clocks inspired by the universality of the 24-hour cycle.
Luss's work left a lasting impact on interior design, emphasizing functionality, aesthetics, and the well-being of the user.