I think Gary Campbell's comments miss the main event.
I have no problem with a more modern interpretation of the Airstream image.
In fact, I applaud it.
Yes, I think the CCD designs left a lot to be desired, and Mr. Deam's
approach is continuing here in the same vein, and deserve some of the same
criticisms..
Yes, the goal of the "new Airstream interior" should be cozy and comfortable
(but not confining), be as light in weight as possible (without sacrificing
necessary strength and durability) and take advantage of modern materials
and manufacturing technologies.
These were EXACTLY the GOALS of the Mid Century Modern designers.
The CONCEPTS still apply; but I would expect today's execution to be
different - and BETTER.
I don't think a Barcelona chair is the definition of earlier modern design,
though it has established itself as an icon of the era.
To really do the job, Airstream design must go back to the basic concepts of
its design and being, and not the clichés of "modern."
Yes, Corian is heavy. But it does come in 1/4" thickness, is an
extraordinary material for a counter top, and is only a relatively small
part of the interior. Note that particle board is heavy, as is solid oak
raised panel doors, etc.
Quality is not necessarily expensive. I would suggest that Mr. Campbell and
the folks involved in Airstream design read Stanley Marcus's (a founder of
Neiman Marcus) book, Quest for the Best. When asked about quality items, Mr.
Marcus has given examples like the Pilot fiber tipped pen - pointing out
that "..it consistently does what it is expected to do."
Airstream should look to aircraft design for inspiration, like Mr. Byam did.
Hollow honeycomb or balsa wood core doors come to mind as a way to reduce
weight. So, too, does using the old Univolt converter for a boat anchor and
replacing it with a far lighter, and superior Intellisync converter.
In all fairness, Mr. Deam is a competent modern designer, but I think he
should rethink the basic principles of what his Airstream designs are
charged to do, and revise them accordingly.
Oliver Filippi
_____
From: AirstreamList@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AirstreamList@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of William G. Campbell
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 7:14 AM
To: AirstreamList@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [A/S] Re: News Modernist desin
Hunter,
Once again, I think Mr. Deam has missed the mark in his interpretation of
Mid Century Modern.
Modern does NOT mean STERILE !
The design trick with clean lined furniture and design is to include colored
and textured accessories to display against the simple background.
Putting an aluminum trim extrusion around the edges of the countertop is
DUMB. It is an impractical decoration which is a pain to clean. Today, we
have much better countertop materials that modernist designers would have
drooled over. [Like post formed high pressure laminate (Formica, etc.),
solid surface materials (Corian, etc.), even TIG welded stainless steel.]
If Mr. Deam wanted to include an aluminum trim accent, he could have
recessed it in a groove on the front edge of a solid surface top.
Check out an In 'N Out Burger restaurant. They use white Corian table tops
with a piece of red acrylic plastic integrated into the edge - no grooves to
collect food or grime.
Oliver Filippi
I would hope people would reserve their harshest criticisms on Mr. Deams and
Airstreams latest production until they have more photos to review..or
better yet to tour the trailer in person.
These comments sound like the same comparisons to the early CCD models that
evolved away from brighter colors towards softer colors and better materials
that have improved over the model line. To continue to compare Mr. Deam's
modernist applications to your preferred Mid Century Modern style is just
one way of highlighting what you do not like about that era. Much of what
became MCM was in fact sterile..or cold, but I think they were shooting for
cool. Depending on one's own preference and other influences this style was
either loved or hated. That's why they referred to the products and culture
coming out of the mid century as the "Shock of the New".
The realities of production cost meant the early CCD concept trailer that
used higher quality materials was lost in translation to the pressures of
profit versus vision. The lower quality materials and sometimes ill fitting
interior parts should be placed on the shoulders of Airstream and not
Christopher Deam. They saved money up front but have paid for it in bad
press ever since. As far as the mid century modern design inspirations
(and since you used the word interpretation) I think that is up to the
person executing their idea of American Modern to take that idea wherever
they what.
But that means we are still trying to resuscitate a design movement that
died a quick death in the mid sixties, sad to say. Yes, you can go to Design
within Reach or Kroll and get an exact reproduction of an Eames chair (which
is very cool) but it is not the latest idea of what the new modern is.
Maybe this where Christopher Deam is going. And in fact he has established
his own style that continues the ideas that started back in the early
fifties.
So chill...or be cool as the hipsters would say. . I think this concept is
an attempt on Deam's part to continue his modernist approach on the vessel
that is Airstream. And hopefully the Airstream Company will follow through
with higher quality materials and workmanship. By the way, these two items
helped kill off mid century architecture. Everyone wants one off/ high
quality/ best materials but cheap always wins out. We always get what we pay
for.
Btw..I removed my chipped and cracked formica edges on my trailer and
installed a T groove aluminum and it is a big improvement. Satin finish
without screws. I think Airstream would have done this originally but it was
too expensive.
Corian? Too heavy..but maybe not for the "I only tow with a diesel tank
crowd"
Stainless? Cool..but we should not complain about the final cost. But we
will anyway.
Gary Campbell
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