Kp it rey By Mallory Gleich • Art by Oliver Renard I n the golden light of a Phoenix afternoon, a wall isn’t just a wall – according to Phoenix local Sean Griffiths. It’s a portal into memory, intention, and design, and in neighborhoods like midtown and uptown Phoenix, where Mid-century charm meets the realities of an Arizona afternoon, the once- overlooked breeze block is making a bold return. At the center of this architectural revival is Life’s a Breeze, a design initiative created by Sean and his husband, DJ, that’s redefining what these decorative concrete blocks can be – and do – for modern communities. Breeze blocks, also known as screen blocks, first appeared in the 1930s, gaining significant popularity during the post-war construction boom of the 1950s and 1960s. “There was a sense of hope needing to be restored; bringing a different optimism that had been lost for a long time,” Sean said. “As such, these blocks became something that served as a functional symbol of hope, of what’s to come.” Inspired by sun- reducing screens in Asia and influenced by Art Deco and Mid-century modern movements, they were prized for their dual purpose: allowing airflow and light to pass through while casting patterned shadows and providing privacy. In desert climates, they became essential elements of vernacular architecture. Their geometric forms did more than decorate buildings; they filtered sunlight, cooled This Phoenix business aims to rebuild hope, one wall at a time 4

5 interiors, and offered rhythmic elegance to facades and fences. Frank Lloyd Wright was an early innovator, using precursors to the breeze block – his iconic “textile blocks” – in both the Arizona Biltmore and Hollywood’s Storer House. By the 1970s, however, architectural trends shifted. Glass, steel, and minimalism took center stage, and breeze blocks were relegated to the past; covered up, torn down, or left to crumble in forgotten motels and suburban neighborhoods. But design, like memory, has a way of returning. Three years ago, when Sean and DJ moved into their condo in midtown Phoenix, they spoke to their neighbors, and an idea started to form. “We’d never heard of breeze blocks, so we started researching what they are and what purpose they serve,” Sean said. “They’re also very artistic. We thought, ‘wouldn’t it be fun to bring these back to our community?’” The duo began researching companies like Atomic Ranch (a platform and magazine that focuses on all things Mid-century modern) and even reaching out to a few Australians they’d found online who were in the industry. One of the main concerns was how to create the blocks at a lower cost with sustainable materials while still maintaining their charm and usefulness. They knew they’d want to include an Arizona aspect, too, so they headed to Joseph City (three hours northeast of Phoenix) and its washes to gather sand. Add water and an aggregate, and – using casts provided by Pacific Molds – Life’s a Breeze created its first breeze block. “We’re not looking to compete with any of the companies out there that create these. Rather, we’d like to complement them. They have a great product, and we want to create a great product,” Sean said. “We’re focused on the future of modularity.” azf . . . Arizona's iconic fashion/lifestyle brand for the past 27 years. Arizona’s iconic fashion/lifestyle brand for the past 28 years. Follow us on Instagram to track city lifestyle and entertainment news.