Inglez Design: Blog 4

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Leonardo da Vinci

Since the ages of neo-classical design, the discussion of simple design has been propagating itself throughout the whole world until today. Leonardo da Vinci said: “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” adding that simplicity is not at all banal or primitive; it is elegant (pretty inspiring) (Porter, 2007). In contrast, Don Norman would argue that simple design might even be effective, but in the end people always end up buying the more complex design because of a number of reasons including variety of taste (Norman, 2007). The following model expresses with full intention, a middle ground between ornamentation and simplicity. Its essence of representation is influenced by the precedents of a spiral staircase held together by a single straight line (designed by Masakini Storey), and also the stair case at a bookshop called Lello, in Porto, Portugal (designed by Xavier Esteves in 1906). The idea of the model’s design consists of the contrast between the two precedent images (illustrated below). The spiral staircase (Storey, M.) is a logical and symmetric design with a strong touch of simplicity, highlights its straight line, and is designed with complete consideration taken into infrastructure, whereas the Lello’s staircase is held together by bended curves, shaping wood into a fluid form, making it an expensive design. The use of its strong colour also relates to its aesthetic pleasing ornamented appearance. The model expresses these two concepts with fluidity, movement and continuity using two very simple materials: glossy PP plastic and aluminium wire. It is clear to see where the movement comes from and how it creates a bended curve that leads to a spiral relating back to the precedent and continuity in fluid form. All curves are held by the straight line (aluminium wire), restraining and shaping them accordingly to the idealistic view of the model’s designer. Influenced by simplicity, elegance, effectiveness and abstractness, the model’s main purpose is to explore fluid form.