Design Museum of Barcelona
Design Museum of Barcelona
The magic curve poster (2017) by Lali AlmonacidDesign Museum of Barcelona
This exhibition presents pieces from the Barcelona Museum of Design collection which focus on the curve.
The selection has allowed us to raise comparisons between furniture of different eras that have aspects in common: the natural element as a base material, their craftwork and their serial nature, which gives rise to functional pieces of great beauty.
The curve multiplies
This furniture repeats variations of its parts; it is shaped by the multiplication of a curve, an idea related to a series in industrial production. This balance with symmetrical sides corresponds to a patent from 1906, from the Ventura Feliu factory, called the “assembly curve”, and which its craftsmen called the “eel curve”.
Gres (2017) by Miguel MiláDesign Museum of Barcelona
In this case, the stool seat is supported by four equal pieces, so that all the sides are simultaneously at the front and the back.
The curve encloses
One curved piece can fit inside another curved piece, so that together they form a reinforced structure. These complementary pieces form one unit: a seat, a backrest, etc. The sofa shows this idea with “encircled circles”, where the curve functions by enclosing the space.
Number 57 (1890) by Jacob & Josef KohnDesign Museum of Barcelona
Also with this chair, in a more simple way, whereby the successive curves give shape to the backrest.
Nautica (2012) by Mut Design (Alberto Sánchez)Design Museum of Barcelona
The suspended seat transforms this idea and turns it into closure, including the seat and the backrest within the curves.
The curve continues
Linear continuity can be real or simulated. For the former, the intention is to use the minimum number of pieces, saving material, while in the latter there is a rhythmic intention in the construction of the object. This is evident in the high chair, where the curve of the arms continues to the feet at the front.
Number 12 (1899) by Gustav SiegelDesign Museum of Barcelona
While in this wooden chair, continuity can be seen in the arms and the backrest, here reduced to the barest expression: a simple intersection of two lines.
Huma (2015) by Mario RuizDesign Museum of Barcelona
This idea continues in the rattan chair, turning the backrest, arms and seat into one continuous curve.
The curve supports
With its shape, the curve can have a supportive nature. In both the umbrella stand and the rocking chair, the curve of the legs provides support.
Umbrella hanger (1924) by Hijos de Ventura Feliu, València (attribution)Design Museum of Barcelona
Kiri (2015) by Mario RuizDesign Museum of Barcelona
In the same way, those of the table, partly curved, have the function of supporting the tabletop.
The curve constructs
Its apparently fragile form contains an architectural principle that gives it solidity. This can be seen in the beech chair, which has capitals on the rear legs, and lateral and spiral reinforcements in the backrest.
Fontal (2012) by Òscar Tusquets BlancaDesign Museum of Barcelona
Instead the curved shapes of this rattan chair interlock, either in the form of an arch or a frontispiece. The curve, therefore, is structure.
The curve protects
With its shape, the curve can delimit space at the same time as its repetitive space can close it, creating a structure that is both protective and welcoming. The curve of the cradle’s feet marks the space for the swing of the basket, whose protective rungs are formed by curved pieces.
Reposo (2012) by Studio ExpormimDesign Museum of Barcelona
And this deckchair, where the curve frames all its limits and utilities (legs, seat, backrest, arms, foot rest ...) repeats the shape of the rungs for protection.
The curve dynamises
Synonymous with movement, the curve is applied to many solutions offering dynamism and ergonomics. This can be seen in the chair, where the usual anti-aesthetic lateral reinforcements between the backrest and the chair are replaced by a single curved, continuous piece. What’s more, separation of the two curves of the backrest give better support for the back.
Frames (2014) by Jaime HayonDesign Museum of Barcelona
This armchair is also a good example, where rounded structural shapes are warped when this can provide comfort.
The curve simplifies
Simplification is made manifest in space: there is nothing simpler than a curve. The chair responds to the idea of maximum simplicity and functionality with the fewest possible pieces of wood.
Frames (2014) by Jaime HayonDesign Museum of Barcelona
This intention is also evident in the rattan folding screen.
The curve shows... or hides
Thanks to its shape, the curve can provide glimpses or be opaque, if we add complementary materials. The headboard and foot of this wooden bed, while very structural, are also fairly diaphanous and only hide the front of the bed base and mattress.
Pepe (2013) by Benedetta TagliabueDesign Museum of Barcelona
This is also the case in this sofa: the fabric of the core achieves the desired opacity and the steel structure means that the legs are almost imperceptibleperceptibles.
Exposición
11.10.18 - 18.11.18
Centre d'Artesania Catalunya, Sala de exposiciones
Organización
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
Centre d'Artesanía Catalunya del CCAM
Comisarios
Rossend Casanova
Julio Vives Chillida
Whit the support of:
Expormim