e
Today's Urban Design Observation: Anti-Craftsmanship
Manhattan's Chinatown is filled with shops, and many of them have outdoor displays. During the day you can't see the actual display unit, just the goods covering them. But early in the morning the displays are visible.
Enter a caption (optional)They are functional, and only that. Visually they are horrific-looking. I call it anti-craftsmanship. They are built with no thought to aesthetics, longevity nor pride. The materials used are always construction-grade plywood and dimensional lumber joined with sheetrock screws, and the absolute minimum amount of materials and labor are used. For instance here you can see they did not have enough wood to extend this shelf all the way to the back of the unit, so they've straddled the gap with three small pieces.
Enter a caption (optional)This piece has been designed to straddle the sidewalk hatch and allows it to be accessed without displacing the unit. The unit lives outside 24-7, and you can see the plywood has not weathered the elements well. The neighborhood kids have tagged it up for good measure.
Enter a caption (optional)This unit is in front of a florist, and each morning they cover it with plants and it essentially disappears.
Enter a caption (optional)
Enter a caption (optional)-
oFavorite This
-
Q7Comment
Design Firm Projects
Core77
Industrial Design
Resources
Industrial Design
Resources
-
Design Directory
Find the Best Design Firms in the United StatesGo -
JBL EON ONE MK2Huemen Design for JBLOn behalf of JBL Professional, Huemen redesigned an all-in-one column PA system to cater to street buskers and singers.
-
Q See Network CameraTandem Product Design for Q SEE.
-
Will PerformPRIME STUDIO™ for WillPrime Studio worked with Co-Founders Serena Williams and Eric Ryan to develop Will Perform, a suite of products for the...
-
CVS Breathing CoachSprout Studios for CVSTo support the CVS Health goal of offering consumers the opportunity for better sleep, Sprout conducted in-depth research regarding the...
-
Branch & VinePENSA for CintasWith Branch & Vine for Cintas we were challenged to create a new brand built on elegant, high-quality product experiences...
-
Brane | Creating Concert Vibes at Countertop SizePushstart Creative for Brane AudioA single, portable smart speaker with the ability to engulf you in sound as if it were a full surround...
-
Circadian Optics SAD LampsSpitfire Industry for Circadian OpticsCircadian is one of our longest term clients.
K
{Welcome
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
K
Reset Password
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
The cheapness is a feature.
Indeed, no need to be this guy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBb9O-aW4zI
Also loving this series.
Loving this series!
They accomplish the goal of not getting stolen.
Nice; I noticed a few months ago we were in SoHo and the street vendors were all packing up and loading their wares in box trucks. I liked how they were packing everything and putting it on hand trucks, but everything was precariously held together. Love these posts.
Love this series, keep it up, Rain!