Judith Gura

Student Picks for Good Design

The Lego Group began in the workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1940’s. They struggled during the first years of production due to the perception that plastic toys would never replace the wooden ones. After our field trip in MoMA I have decided to pick the “Lego Blocks” as an example of good design.

Lego is a timeless/ageless toy that many generations grew up with, and many more will in the future. The small plastic bricks in primary colors introduce kids to three-dimensional geometry and color combinations. They evolve as the kids grow up. The shapes formed by the plastic blocks became more complex, more sophisticated. As the years pass, infinite formations have been devised for the blocks, which is why they have won millions of fans in every age group, all over the world, after bursting on the scene in 1958. The constant evolution of something so simple as the Lego block and the ability to adopt to 21stcentury demand and needs fascinates me, and made se select it as GOOD DESIGN.

-  Yiannos Vrougas

The "Anywhere" lamp designed by Greta Von Nessen in 1948 was part of MoMA's "Good Design" exhibit in 1950, and still appeals to me today. This lamp deserved to be in this exhibit because it reflects many of the principles of modern design of the time. It is functional, with a practical design that allows it to be used either on a horizontal surface or hung on the wall. It has a curved shade, semi-covered bulb and the ability to tilt. All of these features provide comfort to the consumer, because direct light is blocked but can still be aimed as necessary by the user. The beauty of the lamp comes from the honest use of tubular aluminum and enameled metal. No additional ornamentation is needed.

- Nikki Stapleton

The William H. Miller Chair is a somewhat peculiar looking piece composed of recycled materials of plywood, aluminum, rubber tubing, and string netting. It is surprising to think that designers during the 1940’s were thinking about reusing materials in such a way as to make furniture. One can appreciate the chair for what it is, even though it may not be the most sophisticated or modern design. It was clever for its time since it was constructed during World War II when many raw materials were scarce. This was a piece that was both efficient as well as functional – despite its awkward appearance, it served its purpose.

- Amanda Buck

While manufacturing his chairs, Hans Wegner held the idea that they should each individually stand on their own; individual sculptural pieces within a room. Disregarding aesthetics, this is largely true. There is purposefully no closed back on the chair: this is so that the chair can be viewed from all angles – a piece of art. There is a light quality to the chair that allows it to translate into the space in which it is placed. The airiness not only defines the form but also allows it to merge with its surroundings. The cane seat and the form itself also cast abstract shadows on the floor which add to the piece’s sculptural quality. The form itself is simple: four legs, two arms, and a back. The only carving – if one can call it such – is in the way the structural elements are molded to fit the human form. The cane-wrapped back is the only decoration. Why is this good design? It is comprised of structural essentials and is still aesthetically captivating through its form and how it interacts with light in its environment.

- Michael Harold

Posted by Judith Gura on November 2, 2009 | Comments (0)