ANGULAR FRAMEWORK

Many industries have relied on forms constructed of rigid angular geometries for ages. From bicycles to bridges, designers and architects know the value of the inherent strength and economy of resources that characterize this method. In recent years, designers in many other categories have adopted Angular Frameworks in fresh and inspiring ways, moving beyond the purely structural into new aesthetic interpretations of the theme. Now designers in eyewear, lighting, furniture, and fashion are celebrating these unique geometric structures. Many explore ways to inject inspiration from nature (see Naturalism) into these forms to bring a sense of chaos or flowing, rounded intersections between structural members. Some juxtapose these frameworks with more massive solid forms to create a sense of balance between lightness and mass, and others highlight the framework structure with bright accent colors to accentuate the structure (also a technique used in Wireforms). The Automotive design category has shown particular fondness for this theme as a graphic element on exterior front-end design, using a network of structures to define the intakes, headlights, and other front-facing elements. Whether used as a true structural element, or just a surface graphic, Angular Frameworks generally celebrate two particular forms: the triangle and the trapezoid. The acute angles generated by these shapes are critical for this aesthetic: no rational shapes like squares or circles please. In the Lovegrove light example, even the ovular shapes can be thought of as heavily filleted trapezoids. Is this a sign that Knex are inspiring just as many budding designers as Legos?

• Share
• Tweet