Organic Design Organic design spanned 1930-1960, and then resurfaced in 1990 until now.

It is mostly a design philosophy focusing on everything fitting naturally into its surroundings through a sense of flow and unity. It is characterized by smooth and gentle lines, without unnecessary substance or extraneous material. Oshatz, Robert H. Fennell Residence. 2005. Photograph. Portland. Organic Architecture. Web. <http://homylicious.com/5393/furnit ure/modern-furniture-marshmallowsofa-george-nelson>.

The Fennell Residence is a floating home in Portland, Oregon. This house boat exemplifies a design feeling natural in its setting. The glass walls aim to allow maximum light in, while simultaneously reflecting the water and the sky. The overall appearance of the house resembles a wave, utilizing curving lines and asymmetrical geometry. It also has a very open floor plan, with no full walls on the inside, so every room is connected. This allows the water to be viewed from every part of the house. Lovegrove, Ross. DNA Staircase. 2003. Photograph. London. Ross Lovegrove. Web. <http://www.designboom.com/eng/i nterview/lovegrove.html>.

Ross Lovegroves DNA staircase is literally the backbone of his studio, in both appearance and function as it is somewhat spin-like and essential to the productivity of the studio. There is an obvious flow of lines energy spiraling up the helix inspired design. It is an example of using no extraneous materials, which creates a sense of elegance. However in this case the lack of materials might not have been the safest of choices as it appears to be somewhat dangerous; an example of Ralph Naders statements on safety coming second to style.

Lovegrove, Ross. 'ty Nant Waterbottle' for Ty Nant. 1999. Photograph. Ross Lovegrove. Web. <http://www.designboom.com/eng/i nterview/lovegrove.html>.

Ross Lovegroves iconic water bottle has a very natural form. It was designed to mimic the fluidity of water itself. The leads it be very ergonomic, and is easy to grasp for everyone from children with small hands and elderly with limited mobility. Each bottle is slightly different, which is an example of mass individualism. Biomorphism Biomorphism began in 1935, and focuses on the naturally occurring patterns and the art found within biology and nature such as cellular structures. Contrasting the previous movements which celebrated machines, biomorphism is technologically synergistic and uses machines to highlight the beauty of nature. Biomorphism is similar to organic design in form, but lacks the emphasis on environmental connections and harmony with its setting.

Libertiny, Toms G. Honeycomb Vase. 2006. "Made By Bees" MoMa, New York.Honeycomb Vase. Web. <http://www.moma.org/collection/br owse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD% 3AE%3A33112%7CA%3AAR%3AE%3A 1&page_number=1&template_id=1& sort_order=1>.

This vase was created by 40,000 bees. They created the honeycomb on-top of of man-designed beeswax mold. This is an example of how humans have been able to manipulate the power of nature to create art.

Laarman, Joris. Bone Chair. 2006. Aluminum. MoMa. Joris Laarman Bone Chair. Web. <http://designgallerist.wordpress.co m/2011/02/08/joris-laarman-bonechair/>.

This chair was designed using very special computer software that mathematically removed materials until all that was left were forms that were essential to its structure, just like a skeleton. The negative space is striking and the entire design is somewhat haunting. It looks like it might have once been a living being.

Catts, Oron. Victimless Leather. 2004. Prototype. MoMa. Victimless Leather. Web. <http://www.moma.org/interactives/ exhibitions/2008/elasticmind/#/294/ >

Victimless leather This tiny jacket is created through using mouse cells to grow skin, and the growth patterns have been programmed to form a jacket. It is referred to as victimless leather because while it is made of animal skin, no animals were harmed in doing so. However, some people would disagree as they view it as a semi-living being because it is made of living cells. Regardless, this is an example of science and technology becoming one with art and design. Its interesting to think that one day our clothes may all

literally be organic with zero processing, not to mention seamless. It sounds reminiscent of days when cavemen wore animal skin loin clothes, yet such primitiveness is contrasted by what this could end up doing to an entire industry. Fashion designers and seamstresses would become more like farmers. Unrelatedly, the actual process shown in the picture appears to be art and beautiful itself, regardless of what the tiny jacket may mean to the future. Scandinavian Modern Scandinavian modern is characterized by clean and smooth forms. The items are also cheap and easily produced forms, ideal for mass production.

Nakamura, Noboru. PONG. N.d. Ikea. Web. <http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog /products/S19903928/>.

PONG This chair is an example of Swedish modern, and is a classic piece from Ikea. Though modern in form, it has been in production for decades. The designer, Nakamura, is an example of the influence Japanese designers has had on Scandinavian modern. Steamed plywood creates the polished look of the blonde wood, and the strength of the two supporting front beams is striking.

Jacobsen, Arne. Ant Chair. 1952. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AJ _3101_ant.jpg>.

Ant Chair The Ant Chair is an example of Danish modern. It is clean and elegant, yet foreign and seemingly alien with its unfamiliar back and use of only 3 legs.

Pieni Unikko Pillow Sham. N.d. Marimekko. Guest Picks: Color Is King This Summer. Web. <http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2 313341/list/Guest-Picks--Color-IsKing-This-Summer/>.

This pillow uses a bold timeless motif, and demonstrates how to incorporate such graphic Danish prints into and interior (i.e. a pillow). The scale of the abstracted flowers is prominent. Contemporary Contemporary design was prominent after the end of WWII throughout the early 60s. It is similar to modernism but with much more of a sense of whimsy and humor. The designs are characterized with color and playful shapes.

Hepworth, Barbera. Pelagos. 1946. Part painted wood and strings. Tate Gallery. Pelagos. Web. <http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artwork s/hepworth-pelagos-t00699>.

Barbara Hepworths Pelagos is made of blonde wood, while the inner white is reminiscent of Greece. The form is sophisticated, yet imaginative, and somewhat musical. There are eight strings, perhaps it is an abstracted harp or Greek lyre. Pelagos literally means the sea, and it is beachy and wave-like. The sphere appears to be able to role away at any moments, as waves are constantly rolling in and out of the shore.

MIro, Joan. The Poetess. 1940. Isreal Museum, Jerusalem. Web. <httphttp://www.wikipaintings.org/e n/joan-miro/thepoetess//www.tate.org.uk/art/artwo rks/hepworth-pelagos-t00699>.

Joan Miros he Poetess is an example of the graphic, fun, non-objective art that was prominent throughout the contemporary design movement. It uses secondary and primary colors to depict a sense of flight and astronomical wonders. Or, perhaps, as the name implies it depicts a woman expressing herself.

Nelson, George. Marshmallow Sofa. 1956. Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Web. <http://www.hermanmiller.com/prod ucts/seating/lounge-seating/nelsonmarshmallow-sofa.html>.

This marshmallow sofa is playful yet built to last. It uses vibrant colors and big squishy cushions and the top row of cushions appear to be floating, all creating a very whimsical piece of living room furniture. The design is reminiscent of a 3-D science model, perhaps because of the molecular studies occurring after WWII.