Sulfur dioxide
Fine particulate matter
Volatile organic compounds
Essential to a modern world economy devoted to supporting an enormous human population, commercial chemical manufacturing still operates as a smokestack industry releasing exhaust gases.
“The system-wide pollution controls Simplot will install will significantly reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, which can cause serious respiratory problems and exacerbate asthma.” – Cynthia Giles
Vertically mounted
Simple rope
Tire swing
In the middle of winter, an old-fashioned tire swing is ready for warmer weather. Sometimes the simplest things can bring great pleasure.
“And I never knew a thing about pain. Life was just a tire swing.” – Jimmy Buffett
Silo lyricism
Sublime abundance
Accumulation distribution
Crafting space out of necessity tempered over time, subtle tonal and shape relationship elements are mixed in satisfying proportions. Driving by in a fleeting moment there is plenty of time, infinite in possibility.
“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Rear-mounted
Air-cooled engine
Portmanteau
Cultural inertia influences advancement and detrimental experiences often reverberate more tenaciously than those more propitious. Although innovative by featuring a number of high tech ideas, several early Corvair design flaws undoubtedly changed the trajectory of GM’s product development towards the risk-averse culture that would dominate future generations of automobile design.
“The Corvair package of elegance, thrift and fun on the road has always been hard to beat.” – 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Brochure
Quarter glass
Articulation
Vent window
Featuring a latch and hinges allowing for an inward pivot rotation to funnel air into the cabin and cool the occupants, the small, triangular, front-side window is a vehicle feature now extinct. Although vent windows were once a central component of the driving experience, by the 1980’s automobile air conditioning gained popularity and front window vents disappeared from production.
“Although the front venting windows provide unmatched ventilation, air turbulence and leakage outweigh the benefits.” – Jim Dunne
Flight fascination
Speed excitement
Style comfort power
Elegant and relatively inexpensive, the Terraplane was nimble, fast, and muscular. Introducing many advanced engineering features, the vehicle engaged popular imagination during the 1930’s. Amelia Earhart owned one, John Dillinger owned one, and Robert Johnson sang about one: ‘Who been drivin’ my Terraplane for you since I been gone?’
“On the sea that’s aquaplaning, in the air that’s aeroplaning, but on the land, in the traffic, on the hills, hot diggity dog, THAT’S TERRAPLANING” – Howard Coffin
Follow desired course
Drivers seat
Steerage
Certain functional aspects of automotive design have remained consistent from near the beginning. The first true automobile was created in 1885/1886 by Karl Benz of Germany. Ten years later, Alfred Vacheron participanted in an automotive race with a custom fitted steering wheel considered to be the earliest deployment on a car. The operational characteristics of a human-steering system must depend on biomechanical arm operation in any potential driving motion.
“The basis of any art is simple, natural, spontaneous sensation.” – Max Weber
Original intention
Adequate functionality
Aesthetic appeal
Creative design must have an objective, even if the sole reason for existing is to be viewed or otherwise experienced. Although many manufactured objects embody specific functionality, if their configuration is visually engaging then they also may be considered as art.
“Design is an expression of purpose, and if it is good enough it may later be judged as art; design depends largely on constraints and it is a method of action.” – Charles Eames
Halo vehicle
Key identifiers
First generation
Roman Red with a white body cove, this iconic 1959 Chevrolet Corvette was designed for those who demand authentic sports car performance, luxury, and convenience. With more importance placed on handling and maneuverability than on power and top speed, the trip is the destination.
“The road goes on forever and the party never ends.” – Robert Earl Keen
Chrome plated
Complex substantial
Rigid construction
During the 1950’s, automobile bumpers were heavy, stiff, elaborate, and ornamentally decorative. Such resistant construction offers much more protection to the car itself rather than to the car occupants.
“There’s a difference between a philosophy and a bumper sticker.” – Charles M. Schulz