Imposing and intimate, dangerous and beautiful, abstract and expressive, Richard Serra’s otherworldly steel sculptures, bent into gracefully curving shapes and modernist planes, stand in delicate balance, tilted against one another, or simply against the air, paused in movement by the forces of gravity.

As we continue to explore the aesthetic power of water in architecture, we look here at its use in our own modern designs.

From the Bauhaus era of architecture (1920s - 30s) on into the present day, the great modernist architects have often integrated water into their architectural designs.

Water has long been incorporated into the architectural design of cities and homes around the world, as both a necessity and sensory pleasure.

Oscar Niemeyer, the modernist architect who brought curves to concrete and a sense of sculpture to public design, famously worked until the end of his life, continuing to go into the office daily, well into his hundreds.

Oscar Niemeyer, modernist architect of the curved line, fled Brazil’s right wing military dictatorship in 1965, and set out on a self-imposed exile, which lasted nearly twenty years. During this time, he opened up an office on the Champs Élysées in Paris, and began taking international commissions.

Oscar Niemeyer, one of Brazil’s most celebrated architects, and an internationally recognized titan of 20th century modern design, introduced curves to a modernist style that almost exclusively celebrated straight lines and angles.

Views add the inspiring beauty of nature to modern architecture, and an elemental warmth to contemporary design. It’s a pairing we love, especially in our primary bedroom suites, which whenever possible, we orient towards the views.

Florence Knoll Bassett, one of the biggest influencers in American modern design, steered the legendary Knoll brand towards global success as partner, design director, and president.

In our continuing exploration of creative design minds, we look at some of baker Caitlin Freeman’s iconic art inspired desserts.