Industrial Design Meets Modern Art: Combining Elements

How Industrial Design and Modern Art Can Flourish Together

Modern art has a broad, expansive presence in the world today. It features brightly colored, imaginative works of art that often defy description. Industrial design, on the other hand, has a more modern, utilitarian purpose, specifically applied to products or components of larger systems. For some, combining the two styles might seem like a difficult proposition. However, there are ways that Industrial design can meet modern art in a collaborative, productive manner.

Utilitarian Design With Imaginary Elements

Industrial design focuses on creating practical design elements that serve a purpose. That purpose can vary widely–from creating a landing gear for airplanes to designing kitchen utensils. No matter the application, Industrial design often springs from a need to fulfil a certain purpose in a certain way. Modern art, on the other hand, is designed to evoke emotion.

The best way to combine the two disciplines is to combine the principles of Industrial design’s utilitarian use of everyday elements with imaginative elements from modern art. Making use of Industrial design’s structural and mathematical principles, it’s possible to create highly engineered pieces of art that keep that imaginative spark of modern art.

Maintaining Balance in Design

In putting the two styles together, it’s important to maintain a balance between them. This means finding a way to apply modern art elements in a meaningful way, without compromising the important practical applications of Industrial design. For example, a building designer might develop innovative strategies by combining creative shapes with traditional rafters and beams. Consider Frank Gehry’s simple yet effective design of the Guggenheim Museum in Barcelona, Spain. He combined curved lines with straight lines in the building’s architecture.

Seamless Design Techniques

For designers, it’s also important to be aware of basic design principles when using industrial design and modern art together. It’s important to remember that industrial design is all about efficiency, while modern art is focused on aesthetics. The two need to be balanced to create successful, seamless pieces or projects.

For example, a designer working on the design of a medical device might think of introducing curved shapes and thin lines, so that it becomes easier to use and less intimidating for the patient.

Making the Most of Current Technology

It’s also important to think about how modern technology can help in blending the two styles. CAD software can be used to develop design ideas, allowing for easier modifications. 3D printing can also be used to create physical prototypes that incorporate both industrial design and modern art.

Benefits of Working with Both Styles

Combining industrial design with modern art can result in a wide range of benefits. Designers can create highly functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, while consumers can get access to an increased variety of products and services.

The mix of industrial design and modern art can create a beautiful and harmonious union of the practical and the imaginative. When used together in the right way, these two seemingly opposite styles can create truly inspiring design works.

Conclusion

Combining industrial design with modern art requires a careful balance of traditional design elements with imaginative elements. With the right strategies and technologies, it’s possible to create some truly amazing works of art and design. Whether it’s an airplane design, a medical device, or a work of architecture, designers can make the most of current technology and design techniques to put both industrial design and modern art together in creative, effective ways.