Product & Spatial Design 2017

Automobile Design industry

Since it’s an open blog, I am going to take this opportunity to dedicate one of these posts to one of my passions, cars. I be not only looking to iconic car model from the past and their significant in design but also how such designs evolved. 

Starting off by mentioning how the Industrial Revolution was of such importance to this industry, as by this revolution materials, technology, and machinery were not only being exposed to the masses but mostly evolving.  Can’t mention cars without mentioning Henry Ford and its model T, but moving on to the mid and even later times of the 20^th century, it was clearly the huge steps this industry did.

The Bugatti type 57 SC Atlantic in production after the 1936 is consider as one of the most expensive model by this company. Ettore Jean the designer was inspired from aircraft design, this explains well from where teardrop shape is influenced. The different components of magnesium aluminium used to build this car are all rived instead of welded since this material is highly flammable. This makes it clear how the materials used in a such design should be always taken of very importance consideration not only for safety but also for recycling in today industries. Streamlining played an important part in the automotive industries as such iconic models were based on the influences of the streamlining forms even till today.

The Trucker Torpedo, show inspiration of Streamlining and its rounded forms, however is clearly the used of more geometric forms, more inspired from the International style. The used of chrome metal continues to emphases this influence of the international style. The front of the Torpedo reminds of truck, which infect could be an inspiration as during these times designer was inspired from such industrial elements. 

Entry level cars, were also gaining popularity with those who maybe couldn’t afford much as other. The German Vw Bettle was one of the first examples of functionality  and affordability, even thou Hilter closed the doors of the Bauhaus, their ideology was reflected on this model. The underpowered bug manged to make it into production line in Mexico till 2003, while in Europe Vw had launched much newer model design based to look as the new Bettle. 

The France also manged to create a model based on this ideology, the Citroen 2CV more known as the Dolly and described as a tin on wheels, but today consider as an iconic car. The 2CV also manged to make it in one of James bond Movies in the 1982. And I must mention how most of these iconic Car model in past were involved in movies, also as; Herbie (VW Bettle), The Italian Job (Mini cooper), Cars (Fiat 500).

All mentioned above are not only based on the most valuable principles of functionality and affordability, but also on culture influences, as per the battle was built to manged to make it to war, while the fiat 500 to easily passes from the tied roads of Sicily. By the late 1970s the movie Back to the Future shows De Lorean, a clean timeless model with very sharp lines, made of stainless still and gullwing door. This continued to emphases the progress design industry and societies wanted to achieve during the post war and Pop cultures.  

De Lorean futuristic designs shows how really the world was evolving and how with empower ideology we could change thing around us. The Toyota Prius is not the first hybrid machine, as that goes back to the to the earlier times of the 20^th century, however is consider as the most popular hybrid today. Its technology of low fuel consumption and as certien speed this car manged to work only on batteries continue to emphases the importance of much we should be aware of environment. Today many brands are takin this ideology into consideration as the Immortus (top picture), and Tesla (below picture)  which are much more mass-produced than the Immortus. 

     

The future for the Automotive industries looks very interesting especially with the huge steps the technology did, not only environment friendly, but also to make our life’s safer. Modern technology is being used were the car can manage to sense any danger and manoeuvre for safer solutions. Leading brands in the automotive industries are already making use of this AD technology, and its consider to be mainstream after the 2020.      

References:

Autosaur. 2017. The 10 Coolest Cars From The 1940s. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.autosaur.com/the-10-coolest-cars-from-the-1940s/. [Accessed 31 May 2017].

Built to Adapt. 2017. How Automotive Defined the 20th Century – Built to Adapt. [ONLINE] Available at: https://builttoadapt.io/how-automotive-defined-the-20th-century-3fcdbc03b976. [Accessed 31 May 2017].

Built to Adapt. 2017. How Automotive Defined the 20th Century – Built to Adapt. [ONLINE] Available at: https://builttoadapt.io/how-automotive-defined-the-20th-century-3fcdbc03b976. [Accessed 31 May 2017].

The Guardian. 2017. Is the Tesla 3 the electric car that will change everything? | Money | The Guardian. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/may/07/tesla-3-electric-car-affordable-worth-price. [Accessed 31 May 2017].

DeLorean Motor Company | The Best Source for your DeLorean. 2017. DeLorean Motor Company | The Best Source for your DeLorean. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.delorean.com/. [Accessed 31 May 2017].

Minimalism- Less is more…..

This post is about evaluating minimalism, how less is more as by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. Before getting into details about the born of minimalism one must keep in mind how most of the period before were all somehow intensively decorative, and that served as a guideline for most of the designers for a long time. That was until the late 19^th century beginning of the 20^th century. One can see how the industrial revolution changed and served for such changes of machinery and materials, which in fact help designer to create and explore more. On the other hand, Art Nouveau leads or served as bridge for these changes. This can be compered how technology during these last years evolved, from a land phone to a simple mobile phone which was evolved as today we are managing most of our delay task and maybe few years’ time it allows us teleporting….

Back to minimalism, as already mention these ideology of simplest forms goes back in time, during Art Nouveau even if they were few the designer, we see the first examples of simple’s geometric forms like the Macintosh chairs. Later many others were exploring this idea in Russia we can see the example of Konstantin Stepanovich Melnikov architecture of the Melniko House. 

De Stijl principals were simplified visual made up of vertical and horizontal direction with primary colures mixed with black and white. One can’t mention De Stijl without mentioning Piet Mondrian which most of his works remind me of Lego blocks maybe because of the primary colours. But the boom of such simplest or most influential were the Bauhaus, even today Bauhaus theory of clear yet very functional designs is important for today designers. Mies architecture, Walter Gropius, with many others played a key role during this era and one can notice how futuristic their work is, and still consider as very modern creations, or extremely modern for those who are not into the design industry as they think it’s a recent creation.    

    

The international style, Art Deco, Organic design, also Scandinavian and Mid- Century Modern with other Mid-20^th century style, somehow had an impact on minimalism. This can be noticed how such periods were simplifying designs but still consider functionality. The Bauhaus theory continued to evolve and served as inspiration for such minimalism. Black and white with an addition of primary colours is inspired from de Stijl while today is more consider a minimal colour scheme, the use of steel/metal it’s also another element of minimalism inspired from inspired from internarial style, the importance of light it’s also an impertinence in minimalism which this could be inspired from Scandinavian styles.

Today minimalism still holds its fundamental elements, as clean simple but functional, few or no colour at all, and still internecinal. The idea of back to basics, and how less is more still challenges designer today, and how with these ideologies one can create a space which is functional but with less element possible. I believe that Mid-20^th century styles can serve as very interesting examples and still valuable today, but it’s about time to invest much more into today’s technology especial in the educational sectors. Technogym continues to evolve and we must use it positively, for the evolution of our self’s, even if others like Willem Morries don’t believe in such evolution, is very clearly how technology is moving forward and it important to keep up with it as sooner or later this would be the new era. 

References:

Minimal Design: How to Design More With Less | Design Shack. 2017. Minimal Design: How to Design More With Less | Design Shack. [ONLINE] Available at: https://designshack.net/articles/layouts/minimal-design-how-to-design-more-with-less/. [Accessed 01 May 2017].

Houzz. 2017. Less Is More: 6 Principles of Minimalist Design. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/447394/list/less-is-more-6-principles-of-minimalist-design. [Accessed 01 May 2017].

Less is more vs Less is a bore - Which one?. 2017. Less is more vs Less is a bore - Which one?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://archiobjects.org/less-is-more-less-is-a-bore/. [Accessed 01 May 2017].

Prototyping and modelling-design process.

This is a very important part of a design process, were an idea will be evolved into a physical model, but not finalized. For one to create his prototype needs to obviously have a vision, and idea which can be evolved into something, which hopefully makes our life’s better in a way or another. One must start by sketching, which is very important for one to manage visually explore the idea. During the same time designer start to turn these sketches into wireframe or mock-ups, however this wold be basic representation of the design. The prototype combine sketches, wireframe, and mock-up together, and would be improved to give the real impression of the final works. This may include the function, interaction, material, textures, specific dimensions, the most realistic possibly.

An interesting porotype of the Burden chair by Isamu Noguchi, which he was designing for William A.M. Burden summer residence. Noguchi designed most of the interiors of this property, for the same property he designed a majestic table and set of chairs to complement it. The pictures below show the initial maquette for the table and the chairs. From the research done I also found how the bill to Burden was sent as;

"Enclosed is Noguchi's bill which is fair enough. I would suggest, however, that you delay payment a bit until we are convinced that the chairs are practical to build and until we have had Noguchi make any minor changes in the design that you may want him to make."

One can also imminently notice the inspiration of Organic design influences the designer was inspired from. Unfortunately, the chair didn’t make it as it was planned since through this process of prototyping Noguchi realized how they won’t be comfortable while dinning. Instead they were placed in the bedroom.    

Arne Jacobsen was inspired from Burden chair and evolved the Drop chair, while Poul Kjaerholm continued to explore the idea of 3-legged cahier by his aluminium prototypes.

 

Prototyping in the Automobile industry is a very important, also very interesting especially regarding the fact of how from clay automobile company’s mange to build a realistic impression of their model.  From the document of BMW design process, one can see how after research and an abundant amount of scathing, also using software they build their prototype, sometimes also as a concept of the car model. They mentioned how during this process they manage to have a promising the idea not only of the form but also of most of the components and part incorporated. While during this work they also take the opportunity to confirm the material and textures used.

                 

When it come for building especially important ones, or to be built in interesting locations the company in charge would be responsible to still gave a realistic impression of their project. This is more considered as a model rather than a prototype, this because is mostly show layouts, landscaping, materials, textures, and lighting, which could be made from a material which it’s not the real material used for that project, and that why it’s called a model. Experimentation for massive dimensions structures will be done separately from the scale model, which in same case can be just showing a layout or particular futures.

Below showing a model of RJ Models made of a project in Dubia, this is a full detail model which one can control the lights placed into the spaced of the model. Also, manged to make the wheel moves, especially for the fact this was the main focal point of this model. It’s made of scale 1:00, and they used CNC engraving, 3D Printing, and a lot of modeller to manage and combine all the pieces together.

All parts of design process are important for one to refine a genuine idea, but when it comes for prototyping and modelling one will manage to get the real elements of the design. This would help designers to improve their works and manage their experiments to give me most realistic impression possible.

References:

Architectural model making service company in Hong Kong | RJ Models. 2017. Architectural model making service company in Hong Kong | RJ Models. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.rjmodels.com.hk/. [Accessed 21 May 2017]

Phillips. 2017. PHILLIPS : The Burden Chair by Noguchi. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.phillips.com/article/8338588/the-burden-chair-by-noguchi. [Accessed 21 May 2017]

YouTube. 2017. BMW Car Design Process - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRr_GyD1fqY. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

Architectural model making service company in Hong Kong | RJ Models. 2017. Architectural model making service company in Hong Kong | RJ Models. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.rjmodels.com.hk/. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

Ergonomics- makes life easier.

Ergonomics is how human interacts with elements, and system. How this interaction effect humans from different expects, most importantly how this interaction effect human’s health wise. In 2000, the International Ergonomics Association defined ergonomics as:

‘’the scientific discipline that analyses the effect of interactions between humans and their surroundings.’’

This all goes back to the first civilian of men kind, as one can see in museums and documentation, humans always tried to make their life’s easier by creating ways to help them in different tasks. In the stone age, they use to shape rocks to fit properly in their hand to be used as weapon.  

For sure this wasn’t called ergonomics during that time, the first writing show the world ergonomic date back to the 1857, were Wojciech Jastrzebowski wrote about science of nature. In fact, the word evolved from the Greek words were ergo mean work and nomoi means natural laws, conbined mean ‘’how to work according to nature’’. Ergonomic-info.com (2017) wrote how, before Wojciech in the 16^th Bernardino Ramazinni wrote about how his patients were complaining about injuries which were related to their work and environment.  During the industrial revolution, Frederick Winslow Taylor found how workers can be more productive and efficient if the shovels to pick up the coal were smaller and lighter, which than leads to less injuries but more productivity.

It was than in the mid-20^th century was the idea of ergonomic was really evolving, movements such as the Bauhaus were creating design which form follow function and showing how important it is how this works, also how human interact with the element. After World War 2 ergonomic were consider as a much essential element when it comes to design than before, this happen due the airplanes crashes during the war because of the poor ergonomically cockpits designs.

Below five important tips which are considered as part of the principle of ergonomics, which designer and creators should keep in mind while producing their works:

• Safety
• Comfort
• Ease of use
• Productivity and performance
• Aesthetics

Today ergonomics is one of the most important aspect when it comes to design and professional recommend, not only to designer to design and implement ergonomics, but also to the consumer to take advantage of such ideas for a better way of living. Other also mention how people can notice bad design especially when something does not function as it supposed, but rarely notice what makes an everyday useful design object. Such as the toothbrush, one can find many makes, brand, colours and material of toothbrushes which infect are mend to do the same works, for one to brush his teeth.  But if it wasn’t for the curve shapes at the bottom part of the stick, which in most cases this will also be textured to better grip, we won’t be able to hold it in our hands. Apart one can also find foldable toothbrushes, much more convenient while traveling.

Another interesting product used every by most of us and it’s important to be designed and hold high ergonomics elements is automobiles, were we see the tips mentioned above pushed to their limits, not only though competition in this sector but for the better quality to the consumer. Safety first, Volvo a Swiss automobile manufactory works hard to create not only safety interior for their cars but also functions such as automatic breaking if the car seniors something close more than usual. Super comfortable luxury cars with interiors easily and simple layout out for one to function. With different ranges of engines for different wants of their clients, and aesthetic dominating the roads. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSJS4RAMaGs   

  

Another interesting works which reflects ergonomic but in an unusual way is the works by Katerina Kamprani shows “The Uncomfortable’’. Were everyday functional object were displayed in a non-functional manner to create more appreciation from people. Below the pot had the two handles placed on the same side which I am sure will be uncomfortable for one to make use of it, and shows how a simple ergonomic of two handles on different sides makes a pot very useful.   

References:

Dohrmann Consulting. 2017. What is Ergonomics? - Dohrmann Consulting. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ergonomics.com.au/what-is-ergonomics/. [Accessed 03 May 2017].

Examples of Ergonomics - ergonomics definition . 2017. Examples of Ergonomics - ergonomics definition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ergonomics-info.com/examples-of-ergonomics.html. [Accessed 03 May 2017].

Ergosource. 2017. The History of Ergonomics - Ergosource. [ONLINE] Available at: https://ergosource.com/articles-on-ergonomics/the-history-of-ergonomics/. [Accessed 03 May 2017]

YouTube. 2017. Volvo S60, Collision Warning with Full Autobrake, Pedestrian Detection, speaker text (English) - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSJS4RAMaGs. [Accessed 03 May 2017].

The Uncomfortable. 2017. The Uncomfortable. [ONLINE] Available at: http://the-uncomfortable.tumblr.com/. [Accessed 03 May 2017].

Environmentally Friendly Design- Think Green

Though this post I be discussing environmentally friendly design, creations which works by natural sourced energy, such as solar energy, also does made from recycled materials. This is not a new exploration, however continued to be of such importance more than before as the technology evolved, which made it easier not only to explore but to build/ make more environmentally friendly creations.

Solar energy, as wind energy are extremely efficient natural sourced energy which we make or can improve to make use of them and less fossil fuels. Solar panels and wind turbines are very good examples of how we can produce our energy from sun and winds, especially countries like Malta which our climate benefits mostly from sun light.

Solar panels are being explored to varies different shapes, forms, and size to be manged in different devices around us. The Australian car manufacture EVX Ventures exploring this market with an aerodynamic sport car powered by sunlight. The Immortus model would have 75 square feet of solar photovoltaic panelling on the exterior, this means one does not have to stop and recharging. This only needs 2 small battery to power it motors which gives it capabilities of 342 miles during a day and 248 miles on non-sunny or at night times. The company did not yet announce when this model hit the market, however they mention how these projects is expected to coast the company around 330,181.31 euro     

Something else very interesting that in my opinion can be connected to what is mentioned above is how countries around the world are investing in green highways, were the car manged to recharges thou magnetic fields while driving. The British government invest already 500 million in experimentation for this highway, while in Korea are trying to make use of this technology for the use of public transport.

 

Another interesting project is Nebia shower, a shower which minimize the use of water by 70% while still compromising water pressure. Its creators investigated how the water leaves the showerhead, they improve the traditional system by making use of nozzle technology used for rocket and medication equipment.  Nebia is built on these same principle and atomize water into millions of tiny droplets, which makes it more efficient on the use of water and reduce it by 70% for just  an 8 minutes shower.

Maybe this could be considered as the futuristic home, the Ecocapsule give anyone the opportunity to lives were ever he want in the world, as it can be transported easily. Its sustainable technology as solar power, rainwater collection and filtration and wind power, makes it a perfect combination of environmentally friendly home. It can comfortable fit two adults and proved the same luxuries as a hotel room. With a kitchenette, running water, hot water and flushing, with such amenities now comforts that easily can be taken into the wilderness.  The Ecocapsule can be shipped, airlifted or also pulled by animals.    

   

 

In my opinion these are all good example of interesting works, which are environmentally friendly ideas. These can be evolved to create healthier environment around us. Other designers are also taken such ideas into consideration also by using recycled materials, also for clothing.  Environmentally friendly product is also being labelled for one to know what types of product are buying. In my opinion were still in an explorational moments of these green thinking, however many had been working hard to respect our spaces, and that always how it should be.    

References:

My Modern Met. 2017. New Inventions 2015: Top Eco-Friendly Designs and Innovations. [ONLINE] Available at: http://mymodernmet.com/best-of-2015-eco-friendly-design-architecture/. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

Nebia Shower | The Premium Sustainable Shower. 2017. Nebia Shower | The Premium Sustainable Shower. [ONLINE] Available at: https://nebia.com/. [Accessed 21 May 2017]

My Modern Met. 2017. Solar-Powered Ecocapsule Allows You to Live Off the Grid Anywhere in the World. [ONLINE] Available at: http://mymodernmet.com/ecocapsule-micro-shelter/. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

My Modern Met. 2017. UK is Experimenting with Electric Highways That Wirelessly Charge Cars While Driving. [ONLINE] Available at: http://mymodernmet.com/uk-roads-charge-electric-cars/. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

My Modern Met. 2017. UK is Experimenting with Electric Highways That Wirelessly Charge Cars While Driving. [ONLINE] Available at: http://mymodernmet.com/uk-roads-charge-electric-cars/. [Accessed 21 May 2017].

Streamlining Shapes and Forms.

A new inspiration to design forms and shapes for the creation to function more efficient. Streamlining is considering as last moment of Art Deco, focused and inspired from machinery to machinery for mass production, also minimal aesthetic that could be inspired from the Bauhaus. Art Deco played an important part to serve as bridge to streamlining, this because how creators were pushing the bonders to modernism and to create modern creations less inspired from the past. World War II also had a key role as during these moments the idea of streamlining leaded the importance of how shapes serve for better function especially when it comes to transportation.

 In the 1920’s airplanes were only able to do 120 MPH this because weren’t streamlined later with scientific experiment streamlined airplanes were able to 400 MPH. Today passenger aircraft can do around 600 MPH while this also depends on the feet’s above the ground and varies on the type of plane. 

                           

During the late 1930’ s the idea of streamlining was transformed to automobile industry Chrysler was one of the first to lead other when it comes to streamlining design, this can be shown by the Chrysler Airflow, while those who didn’t like change were still adapting for the boxy shaped cars such as the Ford Model A.  Othesr like Audi were streamlining their design for more completive racing.

                                     

Trains were also transformed to more streamlined designs and here I am showing a picture of the very interesting streamlined trained in use between the 1930 till the 1939 powered by a BMW engine. If found this design very bombastic especially when one look back to the dates which this design was produced and how most of the trains today look less interesting and futuristic as this.  Apart changes in the transportation industry other designer were inspired to create such domestic product such as toaster, vacuum cleaner, blenders, also clock as shown below by Kem Weber (1934) the Zephyr clock. Another important aspect from this era was the used of different metal also lightweight ones such as aluminium by die casting used for the ice cream scoop by Sherman Kelly in 1993.

Today, looking to streamlined designs one can notice how it’s still evident in transportation especially in fast cars, such as the Audi R8. Apart the very streamlining design one can notice that with today technology the rear spoiler goes up and down depending on the spend for better aerodynamic and handling; the ideology of how important and why a moving object such as cars need to be streamlined. Even in sports one can see how helmets for cyclist are very streamlined for a better handling cycling though winds. Adding also the type of glasses the cyclist use and how its wraps around their face, Maim Jim sunglasses have a selection of sunglasses which are very streamlined but also very simples for everyday use. Apart, since working most of my time behind a laptop using software I notice how even my mouse iv very streamlined for me to be more comfortable and keep a good posture. In my opinion streamlining can be noticed in design around us, aerodynamics and the science based experiments continued to evolve this idea for better understating in design and it evolution. 

                                                   

                                                     

References:

Vincze Miklós. 2017. The Zeppelin Train, The Aerotrain And Other Classic Streamlined Trains. [ONLINE] Available at: http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-zeppelin-train-the-aerotrain-and-other-classic-str-1564713752. [Accessed 12 April 2017].

architecture.knoji.com. 2007. Streamlined Design: Modernity in America. [ONLINE] Available at: https://architecture.knoji.com/streamlined-design-modernity-in-america/. [Accessed 12 April 2017].

hubpages. 2017. Streamlined Design Movement | hubpages. [ONLINE] Available at: https://hubpages.com/education/Streamlining-Design. [Accessed 12 April 2017].

YouTube. 2017. History of Design - The Streamlining Art Movement - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRZwq-Jxg2A&t=86s. [Accessed 12 April 2017].

YouTube. 2017. Streamlined Design - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTyTb1Ejzvs. [Accessed 12 April 2017].

 Colour theory; the use of colour in design elements as a visual impression.

The result based on experimentation of Isaac Newton shows how sunlight reflect red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet colours made of particles, which then he translates them on a wheel as musical notes. The physicist Christiaan Huygens in the 17^th century mention how his experiments shows that light is made of waves. In the 19^th century James Clerk evolved Huygens idea and how these waves were electromagnetic creating such waves from source to a receiver. Later, Albert Einstein proved by this theory how light is a particle which create a wavelength that if it is a specific frequency we can see colours.  In the 20^th century Ogden Rood developed complementary colours and Albert Munsell evolved this based on value, hue and chroma, while Wilhelm Ostwald continued to evolve theories to show how colours psychological affects us.

Art Nouveau was inspired from organic and natural elements, which I also believe can serve as good example of colour combinations to be inspired from. The use of yellowish colour and warm colour dominate the works of the area with cool tones only to highlight, on can also mention how these were inspired from Japanese works and how the inspiration from natural colours was reflected in design.  Later, Constructivism and De Stijl works evolved more inspired from solid colours, during Constructivism the use of solid colours helped graphic designer to communicate better their idea of unity and piece after world war 1. While Peit Mondrian was an important influence during De Stijl for the use of solid colour and geometric forms which also inspired others such as Gerrit Rietveld and Corvin Cristian for ING Bank Romania, were one can notice Peit Mondrian and the Red Blue chair by Gerrit placed in modern functional space by Covin. These use of primary colours shows how these can still create an effective impression.

                              

                     

The Bauhaus continued to evolve the idea of primary colours in spaces and how with combination of different shapes these gives different impression. Johannes Itten emphases more the idea of how colours can work together in a space in few amounts but in an effective manner. The International Style uses less colour especially during the evolution of this period. Different metals and glass were being used and exposed, and focused more on how interior and exterior can be combinate. Which leads to use of natural bold/ metallic colours, black and white, these inspired Art Deco creators to revive the use of patterns and monochromatic colour scheme.

                                   

                                    

The use of metals and glass continued to evolve during Streamlining, were different metal colours reflection were also being used in such product and interior finishes. After the second world war bright colour were back, in my opinion this to bright more people perspective after the war, Andy Warhol is a good example of bright colours. After colours start to calm down again as happened after the world war 1, the different material used played and imported part of how colour will be interpreted. Colour is a very subjective especially when it comes to design, one colour can give different impression to diverse cultures which counties to effect how people preferences and opinion changes to colours.

References:

YouTube. 2017. History of Color Theory - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr_xTVBIkDg. [Accessed 30 March 2017].

What colour was the Bauhaus?. 2017. What colour was the Bauhaus?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kvadratinterwoven.com/colours-at-bauhaus. [Accessed 30 March2017].

Basic Color Theory. 2017. Basic Color Theory. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory. [Accessed 30 March  2017].

  Kitchen Evolution- from a dark room to social hub.

Kitchen in the past wasn’t the social hub in a home as we know it know a day, during this post I be discussing the evolution of the kitchen. One must start by mention how this space in the middle ages would be found at the end of the house, or separated from the other living spaces, all this because of how the same fair used for cooking would be used for other labour works such as farming work. by the 16^th century the use of chimney was more widely used in homes, which also makes it easier for cooking. But the kitchen was still considerate as the black room because of the black fog the fair stein the walls.

The picture below show Core 77’s sketch by the educator Catharine Beecher from one of her articles about domestic economy’s. Core 77’s was one of the first to not only serve as inspiration of how an organised kitchen should be, but also consistence of height for the work space.

   

 In small spaces one could find different mixture of furniture pieces serve as kitchen; like the Hoosier Cabinets, with the other picture shows a modern inspiration version of this, the B2 made by high end brands from Germany and Italy to be placed in modern kitchen’s.

With the introduction of water pluming, electricity and gas the kitchen continues to evolve. Revolutionary modular kitchen was introduced back in the 1926, by Margarte Schutto-Lehetsky. One could immediately notice how functional this kitchen could be, and the idea of the three important elements of the sink, stove and fridge were evolving to do the kitchen a better space. Margerete manged to create this design by thinking more of what happens outside the kitchen, it was inspirational for her to create a practical space for women who had important roles and needed something more efficient. One can’t forget to mention how she was involved with the Bauhaus movement which I believe serves as inspirational for such factional kitchen during those times (Rain Neo).

                                               

By the 1940’ s metal top cabinets were introduced and counter top metal edged Formica to match with the backsplash or cabinets. In the 1950’s 1960’s appliances such as blenders, toasters and microwaves where being introduced, while ovens moved to wall mounted units. During the 1980 the kitchen become part of the living space with island looking to the dining or living room. One could also notice how more natural colours colours where used rather the bright ones used in the 1960’s. tiles were used for backsplash and counter top where becoming more popular.

   

   

                                     

This brings me to the late 90’s early 21 century ideology for the kitchen space. Where cabinets made from Oak or Cherry with panel moulding used to serve as a focal point in a kitchen space and appliances will be in white colour. Later, more dark wood with dark finishes took over for cabinets without any panelling or mouldings, with grantee and quartz counter tops. Stainless steel appliances become more popular and build in ones also manged to make it to the main stream (Jessica Disanto, 2014)

                                     

 Sooner or later we will also have a smart kitchen as everything else around as know a days is smart. But before disusing the smart kitchen, I wanted to mention how back in the 1950’ s had a vison of the future kitchen with touch of a button for doors to open, microwaves to pop up from the counter space and shelving lifts down from counter top, everything made from plastic, it was the plastic area. Now were looking to the smart area were from just touch of a button will be able to see what we have in our fridge while at the grocery store do not forget nothing, sensitive and heat seniors for lighting, opening and closing components. We already have the kitchen which can cook for us and in some more year this would be available/ affordable for anyone.    

                                    

        

References:

Anne Reagan. 2015. http://porch.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://porch.com/advice/brief-history-kitchen/. [Accessed 22 March 2017]

Core77. 2017. A Brief History of Kitchen Design, Part 4: Christine Frederick's "New Housekeeping" and Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky's Frankfurt Kitchen - Core77. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.core77.com/posts/19779/a-brief-history-of-kitchen-design-part-4-christine-fredericks-new-housekeeping-and-margarete-schtte-lihotzkys-frankfurt-kitchen-19779. [Accessed  22 March 2017].

Home Improvement Pages Australia. 2017. A history of modern kitchen design 1957-2017 and 2027?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article_variation/a_history_of_modern_kitchen_design_1957_2017_and_2?v=5. [Accessed 22 March 2017].

Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. 2017. History of Kitchen Design [Infographic]. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/history-of-kitchen-design/. [Accessed 22 March 2017]

Core77. 2017. Widely-used kitchen workstation design from the early 1900s - Core77. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.core77.com/posts/17268/widely-used-kitchen-workstation-design-from-the-early-1900s-17268. [Accessed 22 March 2017].

  Art Nouveau, the end of historic-ism.

Known also as ‘New Art’ or ‘Art modern’, birth was around the 1800. In Great Britain, the Art and Craft movement was a huge impact in Art Nouveau, while in France it boosts was after the Univeselle Exhibition in Paris, after it was spread across Europe and continents such as America and Australia. During this period, artiest/ designer were inspired from organic forms, plant forms, and other natural elements, Japanese was another source of inspiration fort most Europeans.  Mostly by their wood block prints from their floral, carvel forms, Like the example showing made by Utagawa Hiroshige, inspires Mackintosh in his stand glass works.

 

This was a period where artiest wanted to end the era of historic ism, that’s why they were looking to natural resources. I believe this was all inspired after the mass production and industrial standards the industrial revolution introduced. All the low cheaply mass produced works where serving for the artiest to revive craftsmen works and create works from expensive material of high value craftsmanship. Below the two chairs are made in this period, the Thonet a mass-produced chair and Victor Horta mahogany chair. In my opinion both translate Art Nouveau but both shows the different type of production their made of. With this type of thinking designers were creating things which people of high class society would afford, while the others can still find cheap versions. (Philin, 2014)

      

The picture on the side is showing another example of curve, inspired furniture by Horta, one can also notice how from these curve/whiplash forms designer during this period manged to still create works which still translate extravaganza, impression and sense of finest but in a much more simpler manner than the Victorian or barque. I found this compression as Art Nouveau was minimalist compared with the eras before.

Which infect pieces of metal was being exposed but still placed and worked in a delegate manner, which again I compare this ideology with how designer know days are exposing metals in industrial inspired context. It’s important to mention how this process of simplifying or being inspired from natural sources was used also in the architectural, jewellery, glassware and graphical use, like work by Henri de Toulouse Leatric, and Antoni Gaudi Architectur below.

One can notice how these curvy form/ whiplash could be inspired from Celtic forms, in my opinion these forms were used maybe also simpler way in different designs during the Art Nouveau. This period was a revolutionary one in its time, designs continued to become simpler, one can confirm this by the works of Henri Van Del Velde, which I must admit how interesting I found his work. These works could be also considered as they were the inspiration of modernism and Art Deco. 

Other artiest/ designers such as William Morris, john Risking, Alphones Mucha, Charles Rennie Machintosh, and Thomas Chippendale, somehow also played an important role during this period. They were inspirational to each other influenced others or dominate the era with their works for others to evolve. In my opinion Art Nouveau was a bridge between Neoclassism and modernism. Below I added a picture of what in my opinion I consider as inspired From Art Nouveau.    

                     

References: 

YouTube. 2017. Art Nouveau - Overview - Goodbye-Art Academy - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4luPnObQYo. [Accessed 17 Febraury2017].

YouTube. 2017. ART NOUVEAU Period Design Visual Learning - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIwdAErlKc. [Accessed 17 February 2017].

Horta, Victor: Furniture Design , 1900-1910 | The Red List. 2017. Horta, Victor: Furniture Design , 1900-1910 | The Red List. [ONLINE] Available at: http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-18-392-1335-1338-1336-view-belgian-art-nouveau-2-profile-horta-victor-1.html. [Accessed 17 February 2017].

GloboTreks. 2017. 10 Must See Gaudí Buildings in Barcelona. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.globotreks.com/destinations/10-gaudi-buildings-barcelona/. [Accessed 17 February 2017].

Art Nouveau. 2017. Henry van de Velde (1863-1957) | Art Nouveau. [ONLINE] Available at: https://aboutartnouveau.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/henry-van-de-velde-1863-1957/. [Accessed 17 February 2017].

Van de Velde, Henry: Furniture Design , 1900-1910 | The Red List. 2017. Van de Velde, Henry: Furniture Design , 1900-1910 | The Red List. [ONLINE] Available at: http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-18-392-1335-1338-1336-view-belgian-art-nouveau-2-profile-van-de-velde-henry-2.html. [Accessed 17 February 2017].

 The Revolutionise Thonet Chair 

  

                                          

The iconic Thonet chair, the chair of the chairs! Consists only of twelve pieces, six screws and six pieces of wood (DW English, 2010) . Produced in the 1859 by Michael Thonet, was a revolutionary, not only in design terms but even more because of the band wood technique. Its consider as the most successful product in the industrial production of the 1900 century, and was the first chair to become an industrial product, during the industrial revolution.

                    

The easy band wood technique is what makes this chair an icon, consist of heating sheets of layering wood stuck together and laminated. The same technique was used to create also bad headboard and arms for sofas. After Michael Thonet also introduced  band wood with different combinations of solid wood with cane seating.

                            

Otto Wagner was one of those inspired by the band wood technique, which infect he produce his design by the help of Michael Thonet. One can imminently notice the inspiration of wood banding in both chairs. Even though in my opinion they look different from each other, one can notice how Otto design looks more rigid, made of much more pieces than Thonet chair. I also believe that the combination of the metal in the arms and legs makes it harder for this design to be mass produce during those times.

      

Like Thonet chair, Otto design was produced in different combination of materials, this evolved also by time. Know a day both master piece is binge reproduced in much more verity of combination and colours. However, both vintage pieces are considered as collectable items of high value. Below showing different reproduce of the Thonet chair which was converted also as a stool.

    

Looking closely to the wood banding technique, which was revolutionary during those times is still being applied know a day. The technology we have and the machines makes much more easy for one to works using this technique. While some still heat the wood and bandit in metal casting other chose to create forms made of wood, which than band around them. While searching about modern banding wood techniques I notice how craftsmen prefers to create the form of wood and band around it, by that their work much more environmentally friendly as they ovoid the use of electricity and the use of less materials.

                          

This technique used to create modern or more minimalist works than those of Thonet and Otto, which I still believe they are interesting inspirational source for modern designers, which I am sure they try to evolve. Another fact is that these icons chairs are not only inspirational but still used in spatial designs around us, and people still demand for these products. Below showing of how a designer could inspire himself from the rocking chair and evolve it. The modern chair clearly shows the banding technique but simple yet very interesting, also can attract a lot of attention which than makes it easy to sale in the consumed world were living in. While the rocking chair not only could serve as inspirational source but also showing the banding technique used  by Thonet.

   

References:

 YouTube. 2017. Series: Design Icons (01) Thonet Nr. 14 Chair,1859 | euromaxx - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoy5QP3Jibg&t=116s. [Accessed 10 February 2017].

YouTube. 2017. Design in few words - Michael Thonet - YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRkM_BeQd8. [Accessed 10 February 2017].

Otto Wagner - Armchair. 2017. Otto Wagner - Armchair. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.masterart.com/Otto-Wagner-Armchair-PortalDefault.aspx?tabid=53&dealerID=1919&objectID=161826. [Accessed 10 February 2017].

Otto Wagner - Armchair - Yves Macaux - Object Detail. 2017. Otto Wagner - Armchair - Yves Macaux - Object Detail. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.secessions.com/Otto-Wagner-Armchair-DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=6&tabindex=5&objectid=161826&backflag=on&categoryid=0. [Accessed 10 February 2017].

Conor Coghlan. 2016. You tube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGwPa-oMY-U. [Accessed 10 February 2017].