While it seems like a bit of a no-brainer to me, there are some people who hesitate to admit that cars can be art. Maybe this is fear of the "art" applelation, or maybe it is because it is difficult to imagine the ugly clunker in the driveway is part of a larger centuries-old debate about how our transportation transforms us. Regardless, you can enjoy the debate too.





There is an interesting presentation concerning "cars as art" from chris bangle (car designer at BMW).


It is on the newly redesigned TED site, which (while slow) is simply the most articulate design conversation taking place today.




Also if you happen to be in the Phoenix area you should go see "Curves of Steel, Streamlined Automobile Design April 1 - June 3, 2007"




Here is a nice quote from the website:

"Emerging from aerodynamic studies seeking to improve the speed of ships and airplanes, streamlining is characterized by smooth, curvilinear shapes idealized in the tear drop shape. Amidst the Great Depression and strains of the impending war, the sleek, futuristic look of streamlined design represented an optimistic future of science and technology and provided a stimulus to the market by making former more ornamental styles look outmoded. The look of the designs became equally important to its physical ability to reduce drag and improve efficiency. While the design of the 1937 Delahaye 145 proved itself when it won the “Million Franc Prize” Grand Prix, the 1939 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet by renowned designers Figoni and Falaschi was the darling of that year’s New York World’s Fair, curving voluptuously from front to back in teardrop style and painted bright red."

Labels: cars, Design, Industrial Design, museum, phoenix, TED