As designers we are trained to be aware of our surroundings and notice details that most do not. Details that become part of a portfolio of ideas on which to draw. Yet as designers and architects we strive for perfection in the completed space or building. So- it goes without saying that the appreciation of ‘good design’ can easily raise to iconic status almost shrouding a building’s façade in awe when approached on the sidewalk if we agree with what has been erected. Yet as pedestrians, urban architecture i.e. buildings, sculpture and public places that have a presence in our community also become part of our own micro-system of predictable structures on a daily commute or during a lunch break. We psychologically rely on their presence as we walk to work or drive by them. Icons that become a tangible clock by which we pace ourselves during our morning commute. So to see such a predictable part of our day instantly change without our knowledge can throw a designer like other pedestrians into a momentary quandary.
But why should it? as designers we thrive on change and can appreciate art for art’s sake. We support installation art and we specify art. Yet perhaps because we did not specify the effort or know it was being done, we like many, become critics at 6AM-our commute was subtly disrupted and/or the icons we respect at first glance defaced. Yet we have to reflect on the abrupt change and like everything else in design look at it for its value and contribution to society at 6AM or 6PM. The midnight artists, those who engage in the street or building graffiti create random acts of art on urban architecture is called Yarnstorming (also known as yarnbombing): the art of enhancing a public place or object with graffiti knitting. Perhaps as the day goes on we recognize that the yarn art is temporary involves craft and planning. Or perhaps its the colorful tangible interpretation of graffiti that prohibits disdain and evokes a happiness and promotes creativity-something all designers are drawn to. Yarnbombing has taken off in a BIG colorful way over the last three years and designers are taking note. Our iconic structure's that we dedicate our careers to have not been permanently defaced but in a thought provoking way temporarily enhanced by an public installation. An admiration has started to emerge simply through yarnbombing’s influence and ongoing infusion into the industry- "Designbombing" of sorts, the ultimate nod to the thought provoking warm/fuzzy art form of unique defiance. Image below: http://www.scoop.it/t/urban-art/p/568872751/art-in-the-streets-projects
Familiar hand rails engage the commuter in a surprising tactile interaction. A new type of functional installation art at work/play. Image below: http://oaktownart.com/page/2/
Below, an example of where knit graffiti yarn bombing becomes more than an act of defiance...it brings an awareness to a hazard while at the same time beautifying a detail till it can be repaired. In which case the effort is more an act of advocacy for the pedestrian-hopefully one who is not not wearing high heels. Image below: http://carollainy.wordpress.com/
Yarn bombing over the past three years has inspired a new innovative interaction in woven art forms. Adding a playful element the piece's colorway draws in the viewer almost forgetting it is a sculpture on display. "On 9 June 2012, people all over the world celebrated Yarn Bombing Day (Joann Matvichuk actually founded the international Yarn Bombing Day in 2011). We have see many projects involving urban knitting in 2010, and we’ve even written a dedicated article about the trend two years ago. While some are still active knitting the city, we have focused on other projects and trends shaping the future, but Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam’s ‘Woods of Net’ project deserves special attention. Woods of Net, exhibited at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, is a structure entirely knitted by hand, designed for children to play with: children are invited to crow in, roll around and jump on the net. " Image source & content source for below image: http://popupcity.net/2012/10/a-knitted-playground-in-japan/#ixzz2MuQo5vJj
European countries such as Italy host a range of knitwear and fashion forecasting shows to the trade. Here buyers and vendors alike absorb the tactile quality, emerging yarns, dye color ranges and patterns for fall 2013 knits that will adorn all from hats to throws to the quintessential fall sweater or menswear knit tie. Image below: http://www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs/filati/media-gallery/2012/filati71/details.html?lp=all-2
The home market and communal office lobby areas share a new piece of furniture in common, that of the ottoman in every variation imaginable. Tuft, bench or rolled, knit/woven materials in deeply textural offerings add new architectural ornamentation and dimension. Pieces that are in many ways an art installation unto themselves have become ideal for the lobby and show much like a piece in a gallery space. Image below:http://design-milk.com/greenhouse-at-the-stockholm-furniture-fair-2013/