Frank Gehry bench: photo via Emeco

This Frank Gehry Bench has implied motion in its curves. The degree of curvature in the two areas above the triangular supporting base gives it a feeling that the bench is sagging downwards. The angling away of the two end pieces keeps the bench from having too much of a visually downward pull.  The material used is recycled aluminum, but it feels lighter and more delicate because of the implied motion of its design. This is contrary to general visual expectations of a bench, where a feeling of solidity is more typical. One could almost imagine a piece of shiny tissue paper laid across the angular supporting base. The metal seems to simultaneously sag with gravity and almost float away. The curves of the upper part of this bench also suggest the fluidity of water, and the color and reflecting nature of the materials adds to this possibility.

Pictured above are two views of the Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry. This design almost feels spring-loaded to me due to its curves. The curves have a look of being compressed by a force pressing down from the top. There is also a visual play of an implied push forward and backward. The curves push forward and the upper straight chair back pulls back. Because of this, the chair feels loaded with potential energy. The curves themselves also imply motion as they cause the viewer’s eye to follow them around the twists and turns. The fact that this chair doesn’t have legs to give it a squared-off look further adds to the motion implied.