A Thread for Fine Design

[dale]

The Solar Decathlon is always worth watching. This is a first class entry Mike , not Net Zero, but Net+1. I'm really interested in the air to water heat pumps. They are really coming on.
Here is a link to a presentation by the team plot-paris is on. He posted it over on the The site. All SketchUp and Thea
http://www.youtube.com/v/PLSYleNYog0
I'll PM him and ask him to jump in.

[dale]

I have been searching for an adequate definition of "design"
I have been trying as a matter of course to avoid Wikipedia, so as not to become hooked on the instantaneous answers it offers, forcing me to dig a little deeper.
But damned if the best definition, (at least to put it into the context of what I wanted to see within this thread), wasn't in "W" world.
A specification of an object, manifested by an agent, intended to accomplish goals, in a particular environment, using a set of primitive components, satisfying a set of requirements, subject to constraints; to create a design, in an environment where the designer operates.

There are so many things I personally haven't posted, selfishly, because they are not in my sphere of interests. Examples of this are: Jewellery, Shoes, Fabric, Fashion.
But One that is not very well represented, is in fact something that I attended College to get a degree in, and that is Art.
And within the Arts is the field of photography.
So in order to stake new territory with something I feel falls into "Fine Design" I post the following:
Christian Coigny
An artist based near Lausanne, Switzerland. http://www.christiancoigny.com/about/
I contacted Christian, to ask permission to include the following image, and he graciously consented.
It is, in my opinion, very difficult to use the human figure without crossing boundaries into garish, or sexual. But in essence the human figure is the basis for so many iconic forms, and in terms of "Fine Design" I understate when I say it is "The".
I find his work exquisite, complimented by his use of Black and White.
Note: this small image does not do this photograph justice, so please visit his website for a much better view.

[pbacot]

Dale,

Perhaps you can answer this. I would not cavalierly combine art and design, though they work together. For your thread, certainly--but in terms of understanding? I have but a smattering of Art courses, so I only run around the edges of the big questions. Indecipherable perhaps but important to me nonetheless.

And this is a beautiful image and example of both in a way. Sorry but I can't totally separate the sensuality myself. (And how often in Art's history has classicism been used as an excuse to look at naked women?)

Peter

[dale]

Peter
I always appreciate your insights.
I probably should not have chose this image, as he does great landscape work as well, and does also photograph the male figure.
I think you use the correct term in "sensuality". This versus sexuality.
I have to run now, but will try to expand later

Regards

Dale

[dale]

Peter
You have touched on something I think that is worthy of discussion. I won't pretend I can give a finite answer.
I think maybe the best way to do this is to have a look at what some claim are separation points between art and design.

Art Is expressive, Design is communication.
What is it we do when we sit with clients to begin the design of a residence (for example)? My approach is to try and coax out of them information about the way they live in order to give them a residence which is an "expression" of their lifestyle. This is of course a simplification.
But cozy for some would be:

For others:

Whereas, if you have ever had the opportunity to stand in front of Picasso's Guernica, you can get the sense, even if you don't know anything about the painting, that it is communicating a great horror.

Art is Subjective, Design is Objective.
Art is interpretive, Design is understood.
To me these are only semantics, that are totally interchangeable.

But, I respect your opinion, and if there are any others that feel I should keep Art out of the Fine Design thread, let me know, or at the very least give me your opinions as to what Art and Design are.

[pbacot]

I don't think you have to keep it out, I am just pondering the difference like you. I should answer later, as I have to get going now, so I'll think about it. Thanks for the reply! Peter

[stefanq]

'possible greenland' - 'inhabiting' by quarsoq tegnestue, clement & carlsen architects and tegnestuen vandkunsten
The project develops new visions for greenland's future, addressing the challenges and opportunities it faces as ice melts, vast mineral resources become accessible and new industries and urban cultures emerge.
image designboom
http://vimeo.com/user12262580/newarcticbuildingpractice

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[dale]

stefanq
Thanks so much for this post.
What a refreshing concept. It is truly arctic with many Inuit influences.
Technically I would love to know more about the structure, and the ability of the polycarbonate to hold up under high UV, and snow loads.
Another thing that piqued my interest was the seaweed insulation. Will have to do a little digginf.
Thanks again.

[baz]

Somebody said: "An artisan uses his hands, a craftsman (designer) uses his hands and his head, an artist uses his hands, his head and his heart.
That is pretty close for me.
I've been involved in the 'Art/Craft Debate' for years, ie: is it art or craft?
For me the difference often comes down to the makers intention.
I think that the very best design cannot help but be art as well.

[Mike Lucey]

It looks like BMW are getting serious about producing an electric car and the BMW i3 Concept could be what we will eventually see in the showrooms.

While the upper glass doors look cool, I don't understand why they have them! Ito looks that its the small innovative car design firms that are still leading the way in eCar design but BMW have the cash to get things done ..... if they want to!

[Mike Lucey]

@stefanq said:

'possible greenland' - 'inhabiting' by quarsoq tegnestue, clement & carlsen architects and tegnestuen vandkunsten
The project develops new visions for greenland's future, addressing the challenges and opportunities it faces as ice melts, vast mineral resources become accessible and new industries and urban cultures emerge.
image designboom
http://vimeo.com/user12262580/newarcticbuildingpractice

Had a look at the video, very informative indeed. I really like the flexible 'Paqibiq' concept and think such an idea could be utilized for other climate zones.

I've always been interested in the idea of a flexible house. My own house was designed for two adults and two kids but now its just occupied by two adults. It would be great if there where ways of modifying it cheaply to be more suited to its current usage.

Attached is a cross-section shot I grabbed from the video.

Mike

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[Mike Lucey]

Nice idea / design ...... however I think the product name might prove to be unfortunate ..... Wash It or Wa Shit

[Mike Lucey]

Guys,

I always enjoy a visit and root around at the Solar Decathlon. There are always some great house designs to be seen in detail :thumb:

[dale]

I think this would have put a few plugins to the test if modeled>
Leaf House http://www.undercurrent-architects.com/projects/leaf-house-sydney-australia/
Some amazing photos herehttp://www.undercurrent-architects.com/leaf-house-by-marc-gerritsen/

[dale]

Another Undercurrents Design
This really is a fascinating project constructed in a railway bridge arch.http://www.undercurrent-architects.com/projects/archway-studios-london-uk/

[Roger]

@mike lucey said:

It looks like BMW are getting serious about producing an electric car and the BMW i3 Concept could be what we will eventually see in the showrooms.

While the upper glass doors look cool, I don't understand why they have them!

To show off your legs obviously! Or perhaps to see curbs when parking.

[olishea]

@roger said:

@mike lucey said:

It looks like BMW are getting serious about producing an electric car and the BMW i3 Concept could be what we will eventually see in the showrooms.

While the upper glass doors look cool, I don't understand why they have them!

To show off your legs obviously! Or perhaps to see curbs when parking.

They already have auto-tilting mirrors so you don't curb it

The later representations of the BMW i3/i8 have more typical looking doors. I think it's just a way of showing its construction/space available. Look at the "glass" boot, they've just done that to show much boot space you have if the fuel tank isn't there, I don't believe they are suggesting the doors will be glass.

[Roger]

I was just thinking of 18 wheel truck that have glass on the bottom side of the passenger door so drivers can see cars passing in the mirror's blind spot. Didn't know about the BMW mirrors. Industrial design at work. You are probably right.

[Bryan K]

This thread both inspires and saddens me.

[solo]

Designed on purpose or just natural design?

Tunnel of Love - Kleven, Ukraine.