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Aviation History
1961
1961 - 0109.PDF
FLIGHT, 21 January 1961 109 Design Philosophy —the Consultant's Role BY GABY SCHREIBER, FSIA THIS article, by Mrs Gaby Schreiber, FSIA, of Gaby Schreiber andAssociates, London, discusses some of the fundamental principles of good visual design, first in general terms and then in relation to morespecific applications such as transport vehicles, particularly the aero- plane. She also touches on the value of homogeneity in design asapplied not only to an airline's fleet but also to its buildings and literature —in fact, to everything seen by the passenger from the time of his firstcontact with the organization. THE interior-designer's contribution in assisting aircraftmanufacturers or airlines to increase their revenue is by nowa generally accepted fact. Less known in this country, however, is his capacity, as general consultant industrial designer,for developing an integrated design policy. It is against his role as a "stylist'' and for the part he can play as a planner thatI would like tn speak. Whether a designer serves aviation by advising the manufac-turer or the operator ultimately makes little difference, but it is essential that there should be co-operation between engineeringand industrial designers from the earliest stages of developing a new aeroplane. Speed, performance and the general service offered are, ofcourse, of vital importance in the race to win customers, be they airlines or passengers. Competition is fierce between the differentconstructors and operators of commercial aircraft—particularly of jets, which are not all that dissimilar as between one andanother. In the end it is therefore the interior of a particular type that must be an important consideration in its popularity. The designer of the interior is expected to create an atmospherewhich is not only attractive to the traveller as he enters the aircraft but which keeps him contented during the flight. A feelingof security must be induced, together with one of apparent spaciousness or freedom of movement. Nothing is more depress-ing to a human being than the sense of confinement. In addition, a new and interesting field has opened up recentlym Britain in the production of executive aircraft. The same principles apply in the approach to overall design, but moreindividual comfort and luxury can probably be provided than for commercial types. Intended for the use of a limited number ofpassengers travelling at one time, the executive aircraft presents less involved problems. I disagree with the view that the "mood" set by surroundingsshould match the purpose of the journey—holiday or business; it is not applicable to aircraft. My own philosophy inclines towardstne same son of mixture of relaxation and stimulation that one gets in daily life. After all, an aeroplane is the only form ofjfansport from which a passenger cannot "walk out" if he feels ^e it. (He may not be able to do so in a ship either, but here Furnishing and Finishing Below the photograph of the author can be seen a model of a first-class cabin for BOAC, to illustrate seating arrangements, bulkhead position, colour schemes and other details. Sketches of interiors (heading picture) are printed on transparent plastic sheets for easy use in connection with specification charts there are numerous distractions similar to the ones he is used toas an independent creature.) In an aeroplane, change of scenery —which always creates a pleasurable sense of adventure—ismissing, and boredom and even claustrophobia may ensue. How can this be avoided?A clever woman journalist coined for my comparison of the similarity of problems set in passenger aircraft and hotels theadmirable expression "flying hotel." So it is. All the day-and- night amenities for men, women and children must be provided,and the flying hotel with the best service and greatest charm will be preferred to the others. The interior and industrial designer is concerned with everyfacet of human behaviour, in homes, in business surroundings or
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