Overview
Exceptional “Cityscape” bookcase designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional USA in 1971, belonging to the first series of the celebrated Cityscape collection, distinguished by its striking combination of polished brass and stainless steel geometric patchwork panels.
This imposing architectural shelving unit features a sophisticated arrangement of reflective metallic surfaces, creating a dynamic mosaic of golden and silver tones inspired by modern urban architecture.
The design combines two enclosed storage compartments, an open central shelving section, and a monumental rectangular structure, perfectly expressing Paul Evans' distinctive approach to American modernist furniture.
An outstanding example of 1970s American collectible design, combining sculptural presence, luxurious materials, and architectural precision.
Description
This remarkable Cityscape bookcase by Paul Evans, dating to 1971, is characterized by its imposing vertical silhouette and distinctive geometric metal-clad surfaces.
The structure is composed of three principal sections, creating a balanced architectural composition.
The upper section features a two-door cabinet, decorated with polished brass and stainless steel rectangular panels. Behind the doors, the dark interior provides enclosed storage with an internal shelf.
The central section is completely open, featuring two dark-finished horizontal shelves that create three spacious display levels. The contrast between the dark shelving surfaces and the reflective metallic framework emphasizes the bookcase's architectural character.
The lower section incorporates a second two-door cabinet, decorated with the same geometric patchwork composition. Its dark interior offers additional enclosed storage, visually balancing the upper compartment.
Particularly distinctive is the continuous application of brass and stainless steel panels across the vertical supports, side surfaces, cabinet doors, and horizontal elements, creating a unified decorative composition.
The interplay of reflective surfaces changes according to the surrounding light and viewing angle, giving the piece a constantly evolving visual appearance.
Design & Function
The Cityscape bookcase perfectly illustrates Paul Evans' innovative approach to furniture design, where architecture, sculpture, and decorative craftsmanship converge.
Its strong rectangular structure recalls the vertical geometry of modern skyscrapers, while the irregular arrangement of metallic panels evokes the fragmented reflections of an urban skyline.
The combination of enclosed cabinets and open shelving creates an elegant balance between solid volumes and negative space.
The central display area provides a visually lighter section between the two substantial storage compartments, enhancing the architectural rhythm of the design.
The contrasting dark shelves introduce depth and definition, allowing decorative objects, books, and collectible pieces to stand out against the reflective metal framework.
With its imposing proportions and distinctive metallic finish, this bookcase is particularly suited to sophisticated living rooms, private libraries, executive offices, and curated contemporary interiors.
Materials & Aesthetic
The bookcase is distinguished by its luxurious combination of polished brass, stainless steel, and dark-finished shelving surfaces.
Its most recognizable feature is the elaborate Cityscape patchwork, composed of rectangular metallic panels arranged in an irregular geometric pattern.
The warm golden reflections of the polished brass contrast with the cooler silver tones of the stainless steel, producing a sophisticated interplay of color, texture, and light.
The polished surfaces reflect their surroundings, introducing movement and visual complexity to the otherwise rigorous rectangular structure.
The result is a striking expression of 1970s American modernism and Hollywood Regency glamour, combining bold Brutalist geometry with exceptional decorative impact.
Technical Details
Product: Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Stainless Steel Bookcase, First Series, 1971
Designer: Paul Evans
Manufacturer: Directional USA
Period: 1971 – First Series
Materials: Polished brass, stainless steel, dark-finished shelving surfaces
Dimensions: Length: 132 cm | Depth: 46 cm | Height: 204 cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Collectibility
The Cityscape bookcase by Paul Evans, produced by Directional in 1971, represents a significant example of the designer's celebrated exploration of metallic surfaces and architectural furniture.
The Cityscape collection is among Evans' most recognizable bodies of work, admired for its distinctive combination of geometric metal patchwork, reflective surfaces, and sculptural forms.
The early production date of this example adds particular historical interest, connecting it to the initial development of the Cityscape aesthetic during the early 1970s.
A highly desirable collectible for admirers of Paul Evans, Directional, American mid-century modern design, and historically significant 1970s furniture, particularly appealing to collectors seeking statement pieces from the early Cityscape series.
Designer & Manufacturer
Paul Evans (1931–1987) was one of the most influential American furniture designers of the twentieth century, renowned for his innovative use of metals, sculptural forms, and unconventional decorative techniques.
Trained in metalworking, Evans developed a distinctive design language that combined traditional craftsmanship with experimental approaches to furniture construction.
During the 1960s and 1970s, he became particularly celebrated for his work in brass, bronze, copper, stainless steel, and other metals, creating furniture that blurred the boundaries between functional design and sculpture.
His collaboration with Directional, the American furniture manufacturer, played an important role in bringing his innovative designs to a wider international audience.
Directional was an American furniture company recognized for its collaborations with influential designers and its commitment to innovative, high-quality modern furniture.
The company's partnership with Paul Evans resulted in some of the most recognizable furniture designs of the 1970s, including the celebrated Cityscape collection, characterized by geometric compositions of polished brass and stainless steel inspired by modern urban architecture.
