The Grohe Ciné Nights continued last week with a screening of Modernism, Inc. by Jason Cohn. This 80-minute documentary explores the work and legacy of architect and designer Eliot Noyes (1910–1977), from his early involvement at the Museum of Modern Art in New York to his groundbreaking design leadership at IBM.
As a preamble to the film, architect Fred Noyes, son of Eliot Noyes, announced the creation of the Eliot Noyes Center in New Canaan, CT. The Center will promote the principles of integrated design and carry forward Noyes’ enduring legacy.
Following the screening, I had the pleasure of joining Gordon Bruce, design consultant and author of Eliot Noyes: An American Designer, and Teresa Yoo, Vice President of Brand at IBM, for a conversation about Noyes’ cross-disciplinary approach and his ability to bring together the best minds from different fields—including Eames, Calder, and Saarinen—to achieve excellence for his clients. Teresa shared how Noyes’ influence continues to shape IBM’s approach to design, creativity, and problem-solving today.
We concluded by reflecting on the power of creative communities—both those that surrounded Noyes in his time and those we continue to nurture today. It was a reminder of why the LIXIL Water Experience Center exists: to serve as a forum for creative exchange and collaboration.
I highly recommend Modernism, Inc. to anyone in the design or creative fields. And I look forward to our next Grohe Ciné Night, when we’ll be screening Harvard 5 by Devon Chivvis. I’m certain it will spark another great conversation on design and architecture. See you at the LWEC!