Introduction
Cranbrook Academy of Art is a unique educational institution located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA. It was founded in 1932 by the philanthropist George Booth and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth. The academy is known for its focus on art, architecture, and design, and has produced many renowned artists, architects, and designers over the years. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Cranbrook Academy of Art that you may not know.
Fun facts about Cranbrook Academy of Art
The Campus and its Architecture
Cranbrook Academy of Art is located on a sprawling 319-acre campus in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The campus is home to many buildings designed by renowned architects, including Eliel Saarinen, who designed the Cranbrook Art Museum and Kingswood School for Girls, and his son Eero Saarinen, who designed the Cranbrook Academy of Art Library and the Miller House.
One of the most interesting buildings on the campus is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Smith House, which was built in 1950 for the Booths. The house is considered one of Wright’s most significant works, and is now a National Historic Landmark. The house is also open to the public for tours.
Another interesting architectural feature on the Cranbrook Academy of Art campus is the Stone Circle, which was created by Carl Milles in 1939. The Stone Circle is a collection of 28 large granite boulders arranged in a circle, with each boulder featuring a carved figure. The Stone Circle is meant to symbolize the unity of all cultures and religions.
The Famous Alumni
Cranbrook Academy of Art has produced many famous alumni over the years, including artists, architects, and designers. One of the most notable alumni is Florence Knoll, who attended the academy in the 1940s and went on to become a renowned furniture designer. Knoll’s designs are still popular today, and can be found in many homes and offices around the world.
Another famous Cranbrook Academy of Art alum is Charles and Ray Eames, who attended the academy in the 1930s and went on to become famous designers. The Eames’ are known for their iconic furniture designs, as well as their contributions to the fields of architecture and film.
Other notable Cranbrook Academy of Art alumni include Harry Bertoia, who is known for his wire furniture designs, and Jack Lenor Larsen, who is known for his textile designs. Larsen’s designs have been featured in many museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
The Awards and Accolades
Cranbrook Academy of Art has received many awards and accolades over the years for its focus on art, architecture, and design. In 2015, the academy was named the #1 design school in the United States by DesignIntelligence. The academy has also been ranked #1 in Fine Arts by U.S. News & World Report.
In addition to its rankings, Cranbrook Academy of Art has also received many awards for its architecture and design. The Saarinen-designed Cranbrook Art Museum won the American Institute of Architects’ 25-Year Award in 2013. The award recognizes buildings that have stood the test of time and have remained architecturally significant for at least 25 years.
The academy has also received recognition for its commitment to sustainability. In 2010, the academy was awarded a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its renovation of the Cranbrook Academy of Art Library. The renovation included the installation of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, as well as the use of sustainable building materials.
The Cranbrook Educational Community
Cranbrook Academy of Art is just one part of the larger Cranbrook Educational Community, which includes the Cranbrook Schools, a college preparatory school for students in grades PK-12, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science, which features interactive exhibits and collections in the fields of natural history, anthropology, and astronomy.
The community also includes the Cranbrook Art Museum, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, craft, and design, as well as the Cranbrook House and Gardens, a historic landmark that features a 1908 Arts and Crafts-style home and 40 acres of gardens and grounds.
The Cranbrook Educational Community is a unique educational institution that provides students with a well-rounded education in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The community’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and creativity has helped to produce many successful alumni over the years.
The Cranbrook Experience
One of the most unique aspects of the Cranbrook Academy of Art is the experience that students have while attending the academy. Students at the academy live and work on the same campus, which allows for a close-knit community of artists, architects, and designers.
The academy’s curriculum is designed to be highly personalized, with each student working closely with a faculty mentor to develop their own artistic voice and style. The academy also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, with students encouraged to explore a variety of mediums and techniques.
In addition to the personalized curriculum, students at the academy also have access to a wide range of resources and facilities. The academy features state-of-the-art studios and workshops for a variety of mediums, including ceramics, metalworking, painting, and sculpture.
Conclusion
Cranbrook Academy of Art is a unique and renowned educational institution that has produced many successful artists, architects, and designers over the years. Its focus on interdisciplinary learning, personalized curriculum, and close-knit community of artists makes it an ideal place for students to develop their own artistic voice and style. Its stunning campus, famous alumni, awards and accolades, and commitment to sustainability make it an institution that is worth exploring and celebrating.
