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Aviation History
1961
1961 - 0111.PDF
FLIGHT, 27 January 1961 111 ontractor's or manufacturer's efficiency in the interpretation andyecution of its scheme. Ultimate success depends also on the .designer's craving for perfection, and on the energy expended(iuring this period of production. If he is blessed with an authori- tative personality and is backed up by the client, no shortcomingsc-:ould occur. A brief word on short-term or long-term programmes: onevould like all visible aspects of the aircraft, whether seen and used by passengers or by staff, to be considered and dealt withj-V the design consultant. Only in this way can it become an •nity without disturbing features of maybe opposing styles.1'icluded in this should most certainly be the exterior colour scheme and typography of the aeroplane, which ultimately, andli considered logically, will result in the co-ordination of all items of visual communication. An organization's different activities must be symbolized in away that is easily understood by the public, in all parts of the world if necessary. There are common denominators, such astrademarks and house colours, which form the basis for a sys- tematic tie-up of all the communication material. Equally important is the "first contact" with the customer, whether bymeans of labels or brochures, vans and coaches or travelling accessories.Another aspect of a company's visual expression is its buildings, and under this heading a distinction must be made between themodernization of existing buildings and entirely new architecture and equipment. Here colour alone can play an important part inbringing old-fashioned or drab surroundings up to date. The value of the proper use of colour is now widely appreciated by businessand industry. Apart from aesthetic and prestige considerations, it substantially benefits health and efficiency.To sum up: the implementation of a long-term policy, embrac- ing so many varied aspects of design, can be achieved only by theco-operation of a number of experts: these must include not only the consultant's team of industrial and interior designers, archi-tects, engineers and graphic specialists, but also the engineering and marketing staff of the manufacturer or operator. If currentand future developments are jointly analysed and evolved by such a group and supported at top level, the resultmust be an endproduct of the highest standard. Co-operation for Comfort CHARLES BUTLER ASSOCIATES DESIGN FOR INDUSTRY FIRST in America, and now in Britain and elsewhere to an increasingextent, the design consultant is playing an important part in the styling of aircraft interiors. Close collaboration with the aircraft manufacturerand his customers from the earliest possible moment is a pre-requisite for success. This article, by an executive of the London firm namedabove, quotes some current examples of the consultant's aims and achievements. Early-stage mock-up of forward VC10 toilet compartment with indirect lighting and experimental razor socket and ashtray THE international character of the aircraft industry hasresulted in an interplay of experience and talent that is notrestricted by national boundaries. In the field of aircraft interior design, Charles Butler has worked with both airframemanufacturers and airline operators in many countries. This experience has been utilized by a number of British manufacturersin recent years, particularly in the field of jet transport. The increasing size, complexity, and enormous capital expendi-ture required to produce modern aircraft, in addition to the altered outlook regarding attracting an ever-increasing air-travellingpublic, has changed the manufacturers' approach to the design of aircraft interiors. Co-operation in the VC10 The long-range jet aircraft, with itshigh speed, is offering the world of transport an increased capacity with fewer units required to produce it. This, coupled with theexpense of the tooling for manufacturing "hard trim" for the basic interior furnishing, rules out a custom-built interior for eachindividual airline. "Hard trim" itself is the result of inspection procedures necessitated by increased operating speed and altitude.Operating economics require interior trim that can be easily and quickly removed and replaced. Therefore, the basic problemfacing Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd when they embarked on the interior design of the VC10 was to have an interior thatwas not only suitable for their first customer, BOAC—whose air- craft are due for delivery in 1963—but would also have a salesappeal throughout the world. Since the first aircraft produced would set the basic appearanceof the VC10 interior, and because of their previous success with interiors developed in conjunction with Charles Butler, Vickersengaged him as their design consultant on the VC10 project. In association with British partners, and employing Britishdesigners, a company was formed in London called Charles Butler Associates Design for Industry Ltd, to assist Vickers with an on-the-spot design service. It was keyed to a rapid development of the architectural aspects of the interior which included arrange-ments, basic cabin cross-section, lighting, etc. In short, every- thing in the interior that is used and/or seen by the passenger,came under the purview of this organization. The short time available for accomplishing the programmenecessitated a rapport and unity of purpose that was already in existence as a result of mutual respect between Alec Howie (head of Vickers' furnishing group) and Charles Butler. This had comeabout through many years of working together on interiors of other Vickers aircraft.The objective, as set by Charles Butler, was to produce an interior that would be appropriate for the newest jet aircraft, usingthe latest materials and techniques, but one that would have an appearance of an international character reflecting universallyaccepted standards of taste. Such an interior would be conducive to passenger relaxation and enjoyment—the importance of whichare obvious, in that they are a big factor encouraging repeat book- ings. The interior would also be flexible in arrangement and,with alterations in colour, could suit the requirements and personality of each airline purchasing the VC10. There was smooth team-work with the Vickers furnishing group.With the general concept and visualization in mind, the Butler organization directed the design in aspects of appearance, con-venience for use, surface materials and furnishing fittings. Engineering of the furnishing structures and service installationswas the responsibility of the Vickers group. The Butler office was consulted on everything arising from the engineering whichmight affect the appearance, thereby achieving optimum control and co-ordination of the architectural features of the aircraft.Progress meetings held with BOAC led to a final presentation in mock-up form. When the corporation had accepted the interior,their colour consultant was called in to define the colour distribution. Comfort for Holidaymakers The three Handley Page DartHeralds ordered by the Ministry of Supply for BEA will go into service without major alterations from the original interior asdesigned by Charles Butler Associates Design for Industry Ltd. This was described in January 22,1960, issue of Flight (page 113).The draft bulkhead panel in Perspex is now engraved with a Scottish Lion motif, as the aircraft will initially be used onnorthern routes. BEA have revised the original shape of the seats, as the seats in the first redesigned interior prototype were verymuch of a compromise. It was recently announced that Jersey Airlines have ordered sixHeralds for their expanding operations to and from the Channel Islands, and to the Continent. Charles Butler Associates Design forIndustry have designed a new exterior colour scheme and are in the process of designing an interior to the specification of Jersey
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