Thomas Heatherwick Studio

Rene Magritte (1928-29)

'Extrusions'
(An attempt to achieve all elements of a seat with just one component)
http://www.heatherwick.com/extrusions/

THIS IS NOT A SEAT.

• Scale

• Method

• Design Process

• Industrial Process

• Collaboration with fabricators

• Interaction/Scope/Scale/Public Art

The above image depicts the physical representation of an intentional collision between design, industrial process and the language of materials.  Prior to my insight into the many interesting elements of Heatherwick's 'Extrusions' project; my initial misinterpretation of scale when viewing the photographs of these finished pieces raised the debate between the physical experience of art and its records and representations.  Based solely on visual understandings, we cannot determine scale or function and so we accept the piece as sculpture until we are otherwise informed.

The design and production methodologies that are described in more detail at heatherwick.com follow the language of the material and the industrial process for a rather experimental result.  The cross section shape that has been designed predetermines the basic form, however the way that the material reacts to the production process is somewhat unpredictable.  The result (a seat) is only understood as a seat when we are told that this is its intended function, or when we see the demonstration of its use.  Therefore the human interaction with the piece provides the only valid definition of its meaning as an art object, thus falling into the category of interactive sculpture rather than furniture. 

http://www.eastbeachcafe.co.uk/designandconstruction/the_building_project.html
( East Beach Cafe by Heatherwick 2007 Littlehampton, uk)

Inspired by driftwood the East Beach Cafe sits harmoniously in its landscape mirroring the shape, colour and horizontality of its surroundings.  A brilliant work of art and engineering, the vast consideration applied to every element of design and construction has focused on the commissioners and local community.  Site specificity and daily function as a local enterprise in itself, proposes considerate design as a positively received architectural step forward.  We see a well established example of interdisciplinary art & design here, where industrial engineering, commission and design have come together to create something that exists as a feature of its horizen as well as a functioning business and iconic artwork.
"this visionary cafe will have its own Guggenheim effect" Guardian