Gustav Eiffel

I ran across an interesting article yesterday while scanning the internets. Apparently Wednesday December 16, 1832 commemorates the birth and life of Gustav Eiffel. As it is probably already apparent, Eiffel was the architect and designer of such amazing structures as the Garabit viaduct, the iron structure of the Statue of Liberty (Enlightening the World), and of course the Eiffel Tower. Accomplishing all of these feats before the turning of the 20th century, landmarks that remain visible nearly a century thereafter is amazing to me.

As technology continually progresses we see the lifespan of these enormously complex system dwindle from a few years, to sometimes just one or less. Sure some people may carry such devices around for a few years thereafter, but for a device to last for over a century! - impossible.

Don't get me wrong, designing a device to be sold on the market as opposed to designing a building are two very different tasks with two very different purposes.

It's just amazing. That a single person could design two very different things with their very hands. In 100 years one thing may never be thought of, while another stands in the minds of millions.

Yet I suppose this is the continual endeavor of art.

Technology is not art, though technology can be used in artistic ways, as I have analyzed on a number of ocassions. Regardless, the point of this blog is to bring up the memory of an incredible designer, and just as importantly the idea of time in what we create. Tech niches will only last for a very short period of time, whether we are referring to the iPhone or Facebook, but designs with a much deeper, significant meaning - may be our only means of standing the test of time.

Great Gadget Design

Three books have recently been published by Phaidron - encompassing 999 great gadget designs in history (Pioneers, Mass Production, and New Technologies). One of my favorite designs on their list is the early 1910's prototype camera for what is assumed to be the early Lecia 1 in the 1920's.

When I saw this image, my first thought... beautiful. I don't know what it is about classic technologies like this, but then again maybe this is why 'steampunk' design has grown so popular as technology ever-evolves.

The most amazing thing about this image... is how similar cameras still look! Take a picture of a really old computer for instance, and it filled an entire room, or more. But a camera... just about the same. As I had referenced in a post earlier, camera design was largely defined by the need for film. Yet now with this advent of digital sensors a question about whether this design will will finally... after nearly a century... finally pass.

A part of me insists that technology must continually evolve, to be more efficient. But a small part of me wishes we could remember the past - and not just through "retro" redesigns meant to be trendy. Don't get me wrong, technology has allowed for some incredible opportunities in digital design.

I remember only 5 years ago, while in a group photo for one of my scholarship, the photographer made the comment, "It's crazy we can see what we took instantly now. Sure makes my life a whole lot easier." It's astonishing really. In just 5 short years we've gone from the relatively new technology of DSLR LCD's and live-view, to it being nothing more than just an expectation. Heck, even some manufacturers are attempting to completely nix buttons alltogether! (as I referenced a couple posts back).

Ultimately, technology will evolve, as it always does. Some designs we should trash, yet we should never forget those original designs, and likewise their purpose.

New DSLR's designed as if they were film cameras honestly doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But initial designs, designed as they meant - make them great - as the need was met in a manner necessary.

We must always keep purpose in mind when making new designs. Looking at some of these classic designs is a wonderful way to remind ourselves of where innovation takes place. Not with continual redesigns and adaptations of older products, but instead a truly original piece.