Design Theory 2.2 - Deisgner Influences Flashcards
Arts and crafts notes:
They drew inspiration for medieval craftsmanship and went against the idea of using machinery for producing work reflecting on natural forms in textures and surfaces
Due to the Industrial Revolution a huge social change had raised and with division of labour the need for skilled craftsmen were not needed anymore
- however arts and crafts movement could see the benefits of machinery to enhance honest designs
Art deco notes:
In 1920-1930
The discovery of tutankhamuns tomb was a worldwide event leading to an increase in the art of the ancient world. And became a major influence at the time in structural buildings as such often symbolised by sunburst motifs
What are some key features of Art deco?
Sun burst motifs:
Ray segments from a central point commonly seen in architecture
Ziggurat (steeped pyramids): an element seen in New York with their tall skyscrapers
Simple geometric forms
Since buildings in 1916 were limited to a certain height to impact the light visible on the street below
Modernism key notes:
Evolving from the world of art deco symbolised by the designing school of Bauhaus and De Stijl
Based in the Netherlands De Stijl focused on the use of basic rectilinear forms and primary colours to produce abstract art which were also asymmetrical
Bauhaus was a school founded by Walter Gropius where students undertook a programme on studying the appreiceitaion of materials, form follows function, metal work, furniture architecture and graphics
What are the key features of modernism?
Form follows function - where the form of the product will depict its function
Embracing the machine age and the use of machinery for its finishes and fabrication methods and natural appearances of materials
Geometric pure forms inspired by art deco
Everyday products that Walter Gropius was keen to embrace in modern manufacturing which made products affordable rather than caring about the aesthetic something that was needed after the world war
Bauhaus notes:
The invention of the tubular steel was only one of the few which had made it out of the production line from Bauhaus as it was seen as controversial the products which were being made
- along with the tubular steel marcel Breuer had worked with other to create steam bent plywood furniture
What is significant about streamlining? Give a famous person involved?
After art deco the evaluation of streamline in had increased. This included the use of flowing curves and Smooth exteriors and this approach had been seen on car designs which had helped with aerodynamics. It was also being used in household items such as clock and fridges
Raymond Loewy
Detailed notes on Memphis (grizzlies) design/ post modernism:
1980 - was used to challenge modernism by going against its values and rules using playful designs to be admired rather than for its use
With the use of anthropometric data and zoomorphic characteristic within designs
What are some of the key features of Memphis design? Give me some key names in the industry?
Bold and colourful colours which challenged simplicity in modernism
Simplistic juxtaposing of geometric forms and having them assorted in random places
Challenging forms that compromised on the function of the product
Furniture designers such as Marc Newson challenged the perception on how products should look and were begging to be seen more as catwalk pieces than main stream high street products
- famous for his single blob of mercury lounging chair ‘Lockheed’
