Streamline moderne (1930-1955)
Context
- Between 2 world wars
- Evolved from art deco
- Emerged in america but soon flourished all over world when economies became
consumer driven
- Mass consumerism was embraced
- Symbol of present modernity and the future
- Style was applied to many products like cars, busses, trains and kitchen appliances
Influences and characteristics
- Aerodynamics: influenced by study of hydro and aerodynamics which emerged from
advancing technologies in aviation and ballistics; also biophilic design as birds and
fish were observed
- Age of consumerism: with reference to utopian future streamline style was symbol of
american dream
- New materials: modern approach to new designs was emphasised through new
materials like aluminium, new types of glass and plastics like bakelite.
Stylistic characteristics
- Style: shapes broke away from geometric forms to bulbous, teardrop forms
(emphasised modern ‘look’ and feel) although they were still functional
- Shapes and forms: closed streamlined forms strongly suggested speed which was
symbolic of dynamism of modern times
- Curved lines and chevron shapes suggested forward movement and speed reflecting
era of rapid transportation and modernity
- Colour: gleaming chrome and metallic colours were favoured
Product design: R. Buckminster Fuller
Dymaxion house - 1929
- Made from lightweight steel, dur-aluminium and plastic suspended from central mart
from which rooms radiated in a hexagonal plan
- Conceived as temporary, transportable space that could be rented
- Used central vertical stainless steel strut on a single foundation
- All of designers works were designed to be assembled on site
- Water storage were built into roof
- Building designed to operate independently from infrastructural support services like
electronic power grid, municipal water systems and communication services etc
Dymaxion car - 1933
- Wanted to design a revolutionary car
- 3 wheeled
- Rear steering and front wheel drive powered by ford engine
- Closely related to high performance yachts
Scandinavian design
Context
- Between 2 world wars
- Evolved from art deco
- Emerged in america but soon flourished all over world when economies became
consumer driven
- Mass consumerism was embraced
- Symbol of present modernity and the future
- Style was applied to many products like cars, busses, trains and kitchen appliances
Influences and characteristics
- Aerodynamics: influenced by study of hydro and aerodynamics which emerged from
advancing technologies in aviation and ballistics; also biophilic design as birds and
fish were observed
- Age of consumerism: with reference to utopian future streamline style was symbol of
american dream
- New materials: modern approach to new designs was emphasised through new
materials like aluminium, new types of glass and plastics like bakelite.
Stylistic characteristics
- Style: shapes broke away from geometric forms to bulbous, teardrop forms
(emphasised modern ‘look’ and feel) although they were still functional
- Shapes and forms: closed streamlined forms strongly suggested speed which was
symbolic of dynamism of modern times
- Curved lines and chevron shapes suggested forward movement and speed reflecting
era of rapid transportation and modernity
- Colour: gleaming chrome and metallic colours were favoured
Product design: R. Buckminster Fuller
Dymaxion house - 1929
- Made from lightweight steel, dur-aluminium and plastic suspended from central mart
from which rooms radiated in a hexagonal plan
- Conceived as temporary, transportable space that could be rented
- Used central vertical stainless steel strut on a single foundation
- All of designers works were designed to be assembled on site
- Water storage were built into roof
- Building designed to operate independently from infrastructural support services like
electronic power grid, municipal water systems and communication services etc
Dymaxion car - 1933
- Wanted to design a revolutionary car
- 3 wheeled
- Rear steering and front wheel drive powered by ford engine
- Closely related to high performance yachts
Scandinavian design
