Streamlining

This term is known to be as “streamlined and restyled”. The designs of Streamlining were during the 20^th century mostly in America and it is often known to be rounded, smoothly finished and also teardrop shaped designs. Art Deco was the inspirational movement to Streamlining, some say that it was a continuation of Art Deco in a progressive, simplified and slightly different way. It made an impact on the transportation designs such as maritime, automobile, and aircraft transportations. Transportations have made an improvement on aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performances for higher speed. During the 1930s, home related appliances, and furniture were given more importance to their aesthetic rather than function, the designers wanted to design products that attract the customer from its appearance, normally by having them designed elongated. Some designers which were known for their streamlined designs are Raymond Loewy, Norman Bel Geddes, Henry Dreyfuss and Walter Dorwin Teague. New materials were introduced during this time, such as plywood, metal sheets and plastics. 

Raymond Loewy was one of the best industrial designers of the 20^th century. He tent to design modernist products by being streamlined with the idea of designing aesthetically pleasing products

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For example the pencil sharpener designed by Loewy is more focused to be “beautiful” rather than its function, although it is a very functional product. As said before streamlining has that tendency of having designs as a teardrop form and one could notice that this pencil sharpener is a good example of this teardrop form. 

Pencil Sharpener 1933

Norman Bel Geddes was a draughtsperson in Detroit and was also a theatrical designer who designed six productions. He also served as a set designer and was very influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. Afterwards he switched to architecture and then he became one of the most important designers of the Streamlining. At that time he started designing modern and unique cars for Graham automobile company. He also designed radios for Philco, radio casing for RCA and metal bedroom’s furniture for Simmons.  

A car that was designed by Norman Bel Geddes which has a Streamline approach is the Motorcar No. 9. One will immediately recognize that this is streamlined because of the teardrop shape it has. Its form is very unique and very futuristic with envision for the future. At the time this was designed, it was very extraordinary, although it is still the same today as it is not normal that you see such shaped car frequently. The material was also used in a very interesting way as it is curved even the glass of the windshield is curved. As soon as you see this car, you will immediately make the resemblance with an airplane as its back part looks like an airplane tail. Its form makes it look a rocket, therefore it seems as if it is a very fast car. 

Norman Bel Geddes - Motorcar No. 9

References:

Harry Ransom Centre, n.d. Model of Motorcar No. 9, Norman Bel Geddes, ca. 1932 [online] Available at: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/windows/southeast/norman_bel_geddes.html [Accessed 30 May 2016].

Fiell C. and Fiell P., 2015. Design of the 20th Century. Köln: Taschen.

Hauffe, T., 1998, Design A Concise History. London: Laurence King Publishing.