Streamlining

Effects of streamlining a vehicle

 

Streamlining also known as Streamline moderne and art moderne was and still is an important innovation in the way we design the exterior of our products and vehicles.

It first started to be extensively used in the 1930’s when the world was going through the great depression caused by World War II. Streamlining was all about removing or at least reducing the excessive decoration and ornamentation on objects just like the constructivists making the constructivists a great inspiration for the movement. Their goal was to make them more economic and simple in appearance, the world was already used to art deco before the arrival of streamlining.

 

My view on this style is mixed, I can understand the their excitement for innovation and improvement for more efficient modes of transport but I can no help but feel like the industrial designers of the time capitalized on the style incorporating it on products that don’t make use of its hydrodynamic and aerodynamic properties to make more sales. Personally I like the horizontal orientated forms and linier/tear drop shapes that are iconic in this style. I incorporate the principals of streamlining to all my moving concepts and prototypes to reduce their drag and increase efficiency.

 

Streamlined push scooter

 

streamlined powered scooter

 

An industrial designer that could be called the father and inspiration of the movement is Raymond Loewy who was born in Paris, France in 1893 and died in 1986 in Monte Carlo.

 

Raymond Loewy

 

Most of Raymond Loewy’s work was done in America and is where he designed most of iconic streamlined designs since it caught on the most there, the most iconic ones are the swiped back streamlined trains he did for the rail road companies across America.

 

Raymond Loewy streamlined steam powered train

 

One can notice the teardrop shape, also known as Streamline Modern. This makes them have an aesthetically elongated, horizontal shape. The designs make use of rounded edges which do not obstruct airflow. Corner windows were also fitted for the same reason. Some other features of Streamlining are the glass brick walls, porthole windows and chrome hardware., horizontal grooves or lines in walls. Automotives had smooth exterior surfaces and flat roof with coping.

Colours used at the time where subdued, base colours were typically light earth stones. Off-whites, or beiges where generally preferred. On the other hand trim colours where typically dark colours or bright metals to contrast from the light base.

All these different elements create a very hydrodynamic and aerodynamic shape that can easy pass through water or air with minimal friction or drag which makes the design work more efficiently.

 

Streamlined chair

 

This design is still popular for the fact that it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Some objects such as the chair above are still designed with a streamline aesthetic but they do not offer any functional advantages, which in my opinion looses the purpose of streamlining an item.

 

 

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Charlotte & Peter Fiell, 2012. Design of the 20th Century (25). Edition. Taschen.

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