We learn from our environment. If you know Italy, you’ll know the surroundings are profoundly inspiring. Italy has a long tradition of excellence in design, the fine arts, and problem-solving. From ancient Rome to the Renaissance to modern times, Italy has produced some of the world’s best in manufacturing, industrial design, fashion, visual and musical arts, architecture, and financial innovation. Italian design! Need I say more!?!
Walking through cities and villages, you will find inspiration in every turn. Take, as a prime example, Brunelleschi’s cupola, only a few minutes’ bicycle ride from where I live.
Un’opera meravigliosa!!!
The cupola is of course a major engineering feat for the Duomo of Firenze. Its amazing, but I find equally inspiring the design wisdom in everyday structures. I found one recently on a visit to the Isola di Giglio, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago. A one-hour sail from Porto Stefano.
As we entered the port, we passed the international navigational aids—the red and green markers that direct vessels to safe passage. Later, I walked to the end of the marina wall to study one of the markers up close. The finish was square mosaic tile. A choice of finish that achieves the necessary rich color without compromising durability.
Una buona decisione!!!
But.
The markers were conical in form, complicating the application of square mosaic tile. If the tapering had been noted by the designer choosing the finish, and I am sure it was, they may have hesitated in choosing square mosaic tile?
I would have.
An easier option for the conical form would have been a painted finish. Painted finishes are initially less labor-intensive, but they come with higher long-term maintenance costs. In a marine environment, painted surfaces typically need to be repainted every 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, tiles are known for their durability and resistance to harsh conditions. Properly installed with high-quality workmanship and materials, tiles can last upwards of 50 years with minimal maintenance. These designer/builders obviously knew this and made longevity a priority.
But, how did they overcome the mismatch between form and finish?
After a simple and delicious (read Italian) meal, I waked back to the red marker. This time I noticed the tiling was laid using a method known as selective faceting. This involved trimming tiles in only one column for every set number of rows, allowing the majority of tiles to remain square. Selective faceting isn’t perfect and will be visible up close. But here’s the thing: the purpose of the markers is to be viewed from a distance, not up close. This swings the decision in favor of selective faceting. The visible “imperfections” are acceptable given the intended function.
Most times, there is no one correct answer to design decisions. Compromises are a designers’ constant companion. Sometimes we have to choose the best of bad options. These markers were a good reminder that the learning process never ends. For the past 20 years I have been working on projects demanding high-quality finishes. Leaving an obvious visible blemish has not been an option for most of my projects. This valid solution (given the right context) had fallen out of my toolbox. These markers reminded me of the bigger picture. Late that afternoon, we sailed back to the mainland. I felt I was leaving the island a better designer, and, having enjoyed a very good lunch, I was in a sublimely peaceful state of mind.
