12th November 2010
v37
November 1985 saw the first reviews in the ‘design press’ of a new style of product. These items had organic shapes and became know as ‘Bio-designs’. Karlsruhe based Swiss-German designer, Luigi Colani has produced designs for Canon cameras and many new products have since taken on the same 'organic'style.
Developments in moulding techniques combined with a greater understanding of design and the availability of new strong polymers have all contributed to the initial feasibility and subsequent success of these designs. ( Look at Colani's gallery of projects with this in mind )
In initially being an aerodynamics engineer with Douglas and with professional experience as a City-Planner and technical designer it is hardly surprising that Colani’s designs extend to architectural solutions meeting the needs of communities. In a similar manner to Buckmister Fuller and his ‘Witchita house’ solutions have been achieved to the expanding provision of housing for small families and for the maximising of the use of available space. With a no less inspirational approach the ‘Rotor-house’ provides a functional, intriguing design solution.
Borrowing shape and form from those in nature is a sound principle since many animals, fish and birds have evolved to be efficient in their environment - reducing drag in their movement through air and demonstrating a good starting point for our own attempts at moving cars and trucks with minimal resistance. (See Colani’s show)
Drawings for concept cars from “Luigi Colani Design” ( Inova Verlag, Zofingen )
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Designers and Designing
Designers and Designing
