Detroiters Robert Taubman and Julie Reyes Taubman created an architectural legacy. They sought to renew modernist architecture in East Hampton with the team of architects Diller Scofidio +Renfro, builder Ed Bulgin, landscape architect and designer Michael Lewis.
Architecture Critic Paul Goldberger weaves the story of this remarkable home in the book Blue Dream and the Legacy of Modernism in the Hamptons published by Delmonico Books. Goldberger describes the significance of this extraordinary home. “In the end, the house the Taubmans built is important in three distinct ways: as a significant event in the architectural history of East Hampton, as a notable chapter in the development of Diller Scofidio +Renfro’s work, and as a major statement in the long history of distinguished and architecturally ambitious modern houses.”
As you can see below, the complex design is daring. The home faces the ocean with no defined staircase and evokes a futuristic abode.
Unfortunately, Julie Reyes Taubman passed away before living in her dream home. But her vision survives. The Taubman’s love of architecture was inspired by Robert Taubman’s father, A. Alfred Taubman.
On a personal note, as a former Detroit journalist, I interviewed the senior Taubman several times. I met Julie Reyes Taubman at a Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit MOCAD event many years ago. She was an integral part of the founding and organized the first major fundraiser.
Goldberger mentions the name blue dream was a homage to her friend the late author, Elmore Leonard, who liked the strain of marijuana “blue dream.” Leonard was also a Detroiter. See my post My date with Elmore, on this blog.
Perhaps one day, architecture aficionados will view Blue Dream like they visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water.
Photographs by Iwan Baan
Courtesy of Diller Scofidio + Renfro
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