CRAFTSMANSHIP
Marjan Van Aubel
Marjan van Aubel is a cross-disciplinary designer whose practice spans the fields of sustainability, design and technology. She promotes energy efficiency through her intelligent design practice, creating work that has a societal impact. Not only are her designs well crafted and executed beautifully, but there is an added layer of thought behind each one, leading it to be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
DUTCH BIOTOPE
Van Aubel, M. (n.d.). Dutch Biotope [Photograph]. Marjan Van Aubel Studio. https://marjanvanaubel.com/stained-glass-solar-roof-for-world-expo/
The Dutch Biotope is not just a stunning visual masterpiece, but also a circular climate system. This design shows how complicated design can be presented in a simplistic way, which I would like to incorporate into my own designs more.
CURRENT WINDOW
Van Aubel, M. (n.d.). Current Window [Photograph]. Marjan Van Aubel Studio. https://marjanvanaubel.com/current-window-2/
The Current Window uses dye-sensitised solar cells to harvest energy, fusing function with aesthetics in this beautiful stained window inspired design. This won the WIRED Product Innovation Award in 2016. I think that this approach could be adapted to improve my own design, by using technology in a way that enhances and showcases it.
POWER PLANT
Van Aubel, M. (n.d.). Power Plant [Photograph]. Marjan Van Aubel Studio. https://marjanvanaubel.com/power-plant-2/
The Power Plant harvests both electricity and food from the sun.
CURRENT TABLE
Van Aubel, M. (n.d.). Current Table [Photograph]. Marjan Van Aubel Studio. https://marjanvanaubel.com/current-table-2-0/
The Current Table is the first piece of furniture able to harvest energy indoors. This natural integration of solar technology into our daily lives is something that I really admire.
Summary
I admire the way she proves that environmental designs can be both functional and aesthetic. Her inventive concepts are inspirational.
Marjan Van Aubel’s designs have influenced mine through their function and aesthetic. When designing I try to keep the functionality aspect as the most important factor. Second to that is aesthetics, which can be used to enhance the functionality of the design to create stunning masterpieces, as seen in Marjan’s work.