In order to speculate about the implications of “machines for living” and the phrase “less is more” on design today, I chose to use can openers as the object of my analysis. The fist set of openers is a set from E.P. Hand Tools Can Openers. These tools are machines for living in that they are also machines for survival. These tool were used to open cans of preserved food stored for long periods of time. Perhaps they were used during the great depression to open the last cans of food to feed a starving family.
This set of can openers relate to the phrase “less is more” in that they are made through simple iron construction. Although architects of the modern movement would call the head detailing on these can openers superfluous, it is actually necessary in order to prevent cross contamination between food types.
The second set of can openers I chose are from the Home Shopping Network. This can opener and jar opener set first relate to the machine in that they are battery operated, and have exposed cogs to show how it works. These tools are designed using a sleek, streamline design, along with chromed surface metals, and white washed surfaces typical of the modern movement. The ribs on the jar opener also remind me of Art Deco, and its emphasis on speed, and aerodynamics. These objects can be considered machines for living in that they relate to human scale. They are sized at 7”x3.25”x1.5”, and the molded curvature of the handle is designed to the human hand, thus facilitating its own usefulness. These items also display the values of today’s society: comfort, convenience, and aesthetic pleasure.
In regards to “less is more” these tools are the best representations, they are totally absent of ornament, they have no color, and there is nothing there without purpose. Although the E.P. set speaks best about “less is more in regards to function. You don’t need a handle that fits your hand, you don’t need it to be battery operated, and you don’t need a chromed metal finish.
No comments:
Post a Comment