Streamlining

Streamlining

Streamlining is a style that emerged from Art Deco. From the 1930s through the 1950, Streamlining was the design movement which lead American design. They developed the style by simplifying and including a sense of dynamism which gave it a more commercial look. Streamlining had sustained the customer revolution that was happening during the 1950s and developed in to the visual language of the American modernity. This style consisted mostly in esthetics and economics. 

This movement was all about changing the shape and form of all objects so they could be more flowing and less resistant when they encounter certain elements as air or water. 

With this diagram below,one can understand exactly what the Streamlining designers believed in, and wanted to change. This diagram was drawn by the industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes. This diagram could also be found in his book; "Horizons" which was published in 1932. Their belief was that the teardrop shape would be much more efficient and beneficial to all human beings. Here it is showed how it is the most efficient shape because it lest air and water to slip over the object itself. 

   

The Chrysler Corporation was a car company that used to design aerodynamic cars. The first car which the company produced for commercial use, was the Chrysler 'Airflow' in 1934. The name of the car really reflects what the Streamlining movement was all about. They had designed the car with the aim of allowing air to pass over it. This car was designed by Carl Breer, who is more likely to be described as an engineer rather than a designer. 

Streamlining became an example of modernity for the American people. Products for consumers looked fresh. They had simple and clean silhouettes, gleaming industrial materials and sculptural casings. The style was recognized by speed lines and repeated horizontal lines which looked like an object trying to streak through space. During the time of streamlining there was a lot of new sales for consumer goods, especially electrical products. Streamlining was all about function. The movement helped us living the life we do. Moving objects were more functional than ever.

Ford Ka

Above we have an example of a streamlining design (could possibly be). This car has a bubble like shape. When you look at it, you can tell by the design that it is very aerodynamic. The spines that it has on the door through the back mud-guard helps a lot when the car is in motion. Today we come across several products that for us are normal things but we don't appreciate the true value of them.

References :

1934 Chrysler Airflow. 2015. 1934 Chrysler Airflow. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Design/Gartman/D_Casestudy/Airflow.htm. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

Streamlined Design: Modernity in America . 2015. Streamlined Design: Modernity in America . [ONLINE] Available at:https://architecture.knoji.com/streamlined-design-modernity-in-america/. [Accessed 30 January 2015].

Ford Ka 1.2 69 hv Start/StopTitanium, Hatchback. Uusi auto, työsuhdeauto. Laske hinta, autoetu ja käyttöetu - Autotalli.com. 2015. Ford Ka 1.2 69 hv Start/StopTitanium, Hatchback. Uusi auto, työsuhdeauto. Laske hinta, autoetu ja käyttöetu - Autotalli.com. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.autotalli.com/uusi-auto/58725/Ford/Ka/1.2%2069%20hv%20StartStopTitanium. [Accessed 30 January 2015].