model for the faucets of the AXOR Starck Collection. In product design, archetypes are forms that establish or embody a new product class. For example, cross handles represent the handles of a faucet (compare: AXOR Montreux), the Porsche 911 represents the sports car, Mart Stam’s “S34” steel-tube chair (1926) represents the cantilever chair, etc.
optical or even a structural imbalance in constructed objects or products. Some artists intentionally choose an asymmetric composition to create tension (compare: AXOR Urquiola). In deconstructionism, asymmetrical constructions are aimed at confusing the beholders’ sense of balance and their perception of harmony by using technical illusions.
ARCHITECTURE ⁄ ARCHITECTONICS ⁄ ARCHITECTONIC
AUTHENTICITY ⁄ AUTHENTIC “Authenticity” (from Greek “authentikós” =
Architecture (from Greek “arché” = beginning, origin, base, the first, and “téchne” = art, handcraft) describes the crafted occupation and aesthetic examination of humans with the built space. Architecture is one of the oldest art forms of human civilization. Today, the lines between functional buildings and architecture are blurred: Department stores, concert halls, churches and apartments are regarded equally worthy of the design process. The connection between architecture and geometry is as old as architecture itself. The concept of architecture as both shell and constructive framework, and the idea of axiality (alignment with the axes), find their source in Roman antiquity. These principles have been continually refined and are today expressed through modern construction materials such as steel framing, concrete, glass etc. Space is designed in terms of dimension, proportion, form and composition. The term “architectural” covers anything that creates a space and cannot be dissociated from it – both in terms of construction and design. In product design, architectural composition is based mostly on geometric (basic) shapes. Straight, non-expressive, purist forms, without superfluous elements and avoiding all unnecessary technical- appearing style, is perceived as architectural. These objects appear as architectural, structural elements that are weight-bearing, functional and adjusted to the room. Such objects are often connected to the wall or the floor and ⁄ or provide structure to the room. They usually are not decorative but simply draw attention to the essentials (compare: AXOR Edge). The term “architectonics” is often used synonymously but can describe – to differentiate it from “architecture” – a structure, order or system. It may be used in regards to not only to the art of building but also to the human body or even to a poem. ASYMMETRY ⁄ ASYMMETRIC “Asymmetry” describes the missing of symmetry or an inequality. It is only used in those areas when there is also a symmetry (symmetry ⁄ symmetric). The adjective describes the non-symmetrical or unequally balanced elements in a composition. This manifests itself in an
genuineness, reliability, credibility) means originality. An authentic object is always an original or a product identical to the original (as in serial production). In the figurative sense, a form or an attitude can be described as authentic (as opposed to cursory, superficial, ostensible) even though it might not characterize the original, as long as it carries its original quality and its true identity. Content can be considered as authentic when both aspects of perception – the instant semblance and the actual existence – are found to be in accordance. A form or a re-design is considered authentic when it is used or designed in the sense of the original (compare: AXOR Montreux). AVANT-GARDE ⁄ AVANT-GARDIST In the broadest sense, avant-garde (from French: “l’avant-garde” = front guard) assigns a leading or pioneering role. Avant-gardists are people who start new, pathbreaking developments. In contrast to a trendsetter, who starts only short-term styles, changes started by avant-gardists have a more basic and long- term effect. The term “avant-gardist” therefore doesn’t describe one particular style, but rather an artistic or intellectual attitude. With respect to art history, the term “avant-garde” describes artists whose ideas and works are ahead of their time. In the history of visual art, stands for a new art movement of the (early) 20th century. The term is closely connected to modernity. The original aim of all avant-gardist movements (mostly elitist, perceiving themselves as forerunners) was always a change in society. Most avant-gardist movements in art emerged at the beginning of the 20th century from artists’ communities sharing an idealistic belief in progress – such as Italian futurism, Russian constructivism, De Stijl (Holland) or German Bauhaus. All such movements reject the prevailing aesthetic norms of their time. Today, “avant-gardist” generally means a demonstratively modern artistic expression aimed to provoke and consequently to promote a new aesthetic or social ideal. Even if this ideal can’t be realized, avant-gardist movements often
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