Organic design is both a style and a concept of design and construction. It is not limited to a particular style,
but it can
be found in traditional and
also in high-tech or minimalist styles. Being inspirational by organic shapes and often also by inorganic, especially crystalline, structures, which both are natural. Traditional characteristics of
organic design are wavy lines,
dynamic curves and solid arches which stand in contrast to the geometric,
practical style. In most cases undefined forms are
used which seem natural and also represent nature. The intention is to accomplish a satisfying,
natural notion. Numerous designs refer to structures that are developed naturally or formed by the forces of nature. Its attributes aren’t the stylistic
expression, but the concept
of construction which resembles
nature. Organic architecture makes
great efforts to unite space, combine interiors and exteriors, and generate harmonic surroundings. Reoccured techniques comprise asymmetrical building, flowing lines and soft shapes,
directed structures, plastic volumes and dynamic shapes. Modernist
architects moved the notion of organic architecture to an advanced progression. Contemporary organic constructions are never straight or inflexible geometrical
but wavy lines and curved shapes which takes this style
to its starting point organic, flowing natural forms.
Through the entire process of organic
furniture, no harsh chemicals
are used but raw materials that comprise synthetic fibers. Organic is found in
furniture design as well. Soft continuous curves which adapt naturally the
human figure to optimize well-being is regarded organic in design, which is
also known as ergonomic design. Ergonomic designs are easily found in organic
furniture because natural materials are used and often imitates the form of
nature.
Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto’s architectural masterpieces such as lighting, textiles, furniture and glassware, as well as sculptures and paintings were total works of art. Often Aalto was an Expressionist in style. He also implemented his innovative ambition to furniture, co-founded Artek
in 1935 and originated
the iconic Savoy Vase in 1937.
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Savoy
vase designed in 1936 by Alvar
Aalto
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He was the first furniture
designer to use the cantilever concept in chair design using wood and also a
specific importance with the process of trying bent plywood chairs, the Paimio chair
which is mostly remarkable.
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The Paimio
Chair, the best-known piece of furniture designed by Alvar Aalto (1931-1932)
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Model 31
Cantilever Chair (1930) by Alvar Aalto
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Charles Eames
Charles Eames distinctive synergy generated an entire fresh
appearance in furniture. Lean
and stylish, playful and practical. Elegant, modern and
beautifully undecorated. He introduced
molded plywood chairs and the world-renowned Eames lounge chair, presently in the indefinite collection of the Museum of
Modern Art in New York. His work was an amalgamation of art and science, design
and architecture, process and product, style and function.
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Lounge Chair Wood
(1946) by Charles Eames
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Lounge Chair and
Ottoman (1955) by Charles Eames
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Designed in
1950, the fibreglass “Dax” armchair by Charles Eames features an organically
formed seat.
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Folding Screen 1946 by Charles Eames.
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Eero Saarinen
Saarinen and Charles
Eames, both wanted to explore potential new materials and processes. They pushed
each other creatively while working together on several projects and they managed
to produce a collection of molded plywood chairs. Saarinen designed many of the famous Knoll
pieces, like the Womb chair, the 70 series seating collection and, Tulip chairs
and tables.
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The
Womb Chair Model No. 70 designed in 1947 by Eero Saarinen
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Pedestal
Collection (1955-6) by Eero Saarinen
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| Eero Saarinen with model and sketches of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial |
References
Research:
"Organic Design"[Online]. Musei Italiani. Available from: http://www.museiitaliani.org/organic-design/ [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"Organic Architecture"[Online]. Guggenheim. Available from: https://www.guggenheim.org/arts-curriculum/topic/organic-architecture [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"History of Organic Architecture"[Online]. Organic Architecture. Available from: http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/sijpkes/arch374/winter2002/pslizhou/history.htm [Accessed 7 May 2017]
H. F. Koeper. "Alvar Aalto"[Online]. Britannica. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alvar-Aalto#ref18338 [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"Paimio Chair"[Online]. MoMA. Available from: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/92879 [Accessed 7 May 2017]
Images:
"Eames Plastic Armchair DAX"[Online]. vitra. Available from: https://www.vitra.com/en-it/living/product/details/eames-plastic-armchair-dax [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"Folding Screen"Online]. MoMA. Available from: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/2035?locale=en [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"Eero Saarinen". Wikipedia. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eero_Saarinen [Accessed 7 May 2017]
"Eero Saarinen"[Online]. Knoll. Available from: https://www.knoll.com/designer/Eero-Saarinen [Accessed 7 May 2017]
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