And what are the key elements of good design, Form, Function, Build ability, Economics and longevity. Contained with in these elements is mathematical correctness. We respond to the greater environment in relation to our own human scale. Architects still use them today, a gift from the ancient Greek and Roman architects; The Golden Rules.
This applies to all design disciplines, from designing a simple pair of cufflinks to a carriageway, a suspension bridge to a silk tie; form follows function, so what’s more important?
Finding designers in any in any discipline that adhere, diligently, to these key elements are thin on the ground
An Architect Driven By Principles
Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of modern architecture applied his genius to The Falling Water House, perfect in proportion and modern in any era. And yet it was built more than 70 years ago. His work in the late 18th century paved the way to The Art Deco style, which began to take shape around 1920. He was decades ahead of his time, it’s well documented.
An Engineer Driven By Steam And Steel
Isambard Brunell the greatest structural engineer in living memory. The Clifton suspension Bridge is testimony of his ability to create a structure that performed a vital function poetically. Not even the Golden Gate and Sydney Harbour hold a candle to it, especially in the wind.
His earlier steam trains travelled fully laden at 50 miles per hour, that’s half the speed of The Flying Scotsman, without a kilt. He designed and had built a steam ship that carried one million emigrants to Australia. Now they’re all coming back on Jumbo Jets.
And Some Fashion Designers
Vivienne Westwood, driven by an endless creative imagination, has been applying key design principles proportionately to all her collections. Combining colour, pattern, texture, proportionately, has become the trademark of all her design work, from crockery to clothing. The Orb is now an internationally recognised brand symbol, with a difference.
Ian Flaherty: A hands-on designer, toiling in his London studios every day, has produced some fine pieces of work over many years. But it’s the Swarovski Cube Cufflinks that are synonymous with his name. Perfect in proportion at every angle and never once fail to perform their intended function
Remember, every significant movement in art can be traced through the design of cufflinks. Jewellers like Cartier and Tiffany crafted work of art cufflinks in mother of pearl, crystal; precious stones…These famous fashion names establish designer cufflinks as the essential accessory for men, but don’t forget your silk ties, otherwise the doorman may not let you into the club-house.
Lbb London
They typify contemporary accessories design, choosing classical influences to buck the whimsical trends of today. Their metal cufflinks are unique in their own right and visually conform to all the key elements of design and I guess that’s why they have sold consistently well over the years.
And Denison Boston
Based in Brighton, which was, once upon a time the holiday capitol of England? Perhaps the pier lights in the harbour gave him early inspiration; I guess every thing is open to interpretation. One thing is for certain, this designer knows the meaning of form and function; his cufflinks are testimony enough; ask any architect?
Some Historic Anecdotes to Share with Your Friends: 1969 Nutters of Savile Row opens on Valentine’s Day and unleashes the Tommy Nutter/Edward Sexton style on swinging London. Backed by Cilla Black and The Beatles’ record company Apple’s executive Peter Brown, Nutters of Savile Row dresses the entire social spectrum from the Duke of Bedford and Lord Montagu to Mick and Bianca Jagger and The Beatles. Nutters is the first shop on Savile Row to pioneer ‘open windows’ and wild displays executed by Simon Doonan.
Conclusion
Here we all are in our own little world like a planet spinning out of orbit. And the night time is the light and the end of our tunnel, here comes the night, the reckless night. While on the road, drive carefully, and take care of your environment, its life giving.
By: Patrick McMurray
Posts Tagged ‘Art Deco Style’
Art Deco Makes a Comeback in Architectural Doors
September 17th, 2009Doors are becoming less of an afterthought in modern home design and more of a focal point. In fact, many homeowners today are choosing custom-designed architectural doors for their home’s exterior. Sometimes an entire home design is planned around a customized architectural door. Doors are being recognized as an important part of the aesthetic value of a home’s exterior. An artistically-designed and professionally-built exterior door can raise the value of a home while providing enormous curb-appeal.
One of the fastest-growing trends in architectural doors today is the art deco door. The art deco style of design first emerged in the early 1900’s. It was an international design phenomenon in the 1920’s and 1930’s. It was during this period of time that a number of famous landmark buildings were erected, the design of which has become a part of pop culture and history. Though many people can’t put a name to the style, they will instantly recognize buildings created during the art deco trend. One such example is the distinctive spire of New York City’s Chrysler building, built in the mid 1920’s. Other renowned examples include New York’s Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Like most trends, art deco faded from construction history for a time in favor of more modern, streamlined designs. But also like many trends, art deco has re-emerged throughout the last century in various manners. Today, this includes architectural doors.
Art deco designs are based on mathematical, geometric shapes. Chevrons, sweeping curves, sunburst motifs and multi-tiered steps are characteristic of art deco. The Chrysler Building is a prime example of a curve and sunburst theme with steps that become smaller until they reach the spire at the top.
Architectural doors take the best of these geometrical designs and add modern twists, like sharp, uneven lines, mirrors and contemporary colors. The result is a door that is truly a work of art. These works of art become the focal point for the design of the new home. They often inspire other elements of the home, like windows, exterior colors, and even the shape of the roof. Like someone who purchases a loved work of art and then paints and designs the room it hangs in to match it, homeowners and builders start with a custom-designed architectural door and then look to it for inspiration for the entire exterior.
Art deco architectural doors can be designed to fit any type of home. They can be standard size, or can be crafted to fit unorthodox door frames for truly individualistic style. They don’t sacrifice functionality either. They can be built to accommodate high-security features, and can even be built to mask multiple locks and other security mechanisms. This results in an architectural door whose artistic quality hasn’t been sacrificed for the sake of fortitude.
By: Jenny Schweyer