Those beautiful, sleekly framed pieces on the wall? For a modern-art aficionado, they well may be a few architectural renderings. These works show the initial concept of a proposed building, before approval by a client, though the final work might even have been exhibited or published, if it were by a very noted architect. But until the widespread use of computer programs like AutoCAD changed the working process for architects, these hand-drawn renderings didn’t garner much appreciation.
“Architectural renderings were never intended to be collected or sold for profit,” explains Eric Moore, the owner of Form Function Art. Still, “As computers and software became more widely used, the art of perspective drawings changed. For example, George Dahl was one of the most prominent architects from Dallas, and his renderings never generated any interest outside of his clientele. Now that perspective drawings have been replaced by computers, a Dahl rendering, which has a distinctive style and use of colors and shapes, is very recognizable and collectable.”
The renderings show tremendous detail, skill and, let’s face it, have a hearty dose of mid century cool. That’s why renderings of cars, buildings and other industrial designs are transcending into the world of art.
Moore, who grew up surrounded by modernism and architecture, has a lifelong appreciation for residential, commercial, industrial and architectural renderings, and it led him to launch Form Function Art. At this online gallery, fellow mid century enthusiasts can browse and purchase original architectural renderings, as well as some intriguing vehicle concept drawings. “They have amazing detail and in some instances look like a photograph,” says Moore.
When Moore was a child, there was so much mid-mod furniture in his family’s home, he says, “Our household looked like the studio set of ‘Mad Men’.” My brothers and I would spin around on the Herman Miller lounge chair and ottoman designed by Charles and Ray Eames, and it was built well enough to withstand three boys. We also had an original Eero Saarinen womb chair. We had Danish modern teak furniture in every room of the house (except mine). A fun piece of furniture was our iron framed, Jorge Ferrari Hardoy designed Butterfly chair. This butterfly chair was the favorite of all the kids in the neighborhood. My mom’s favorite place to sit and read was in a Danish MCM Baumritter chair that she used until she passed away at age 90.”
Young Eric would spend Saturdays at work with his architect father, Bob G. Moore. The family’s children all had architects as godfathers, says Eric, “So my exposure to engineering and design was early and often. My love for modern design grew from my exposure to commercial designs I watched my dad develop as well as a few residential projects. The long, strong, horizontal lines have always caught my eye and I think they create a feeling of rest or repose because objects parallel to the earth are at rest.”
With Form Function Art, he is able to offer a large collection of original renderings, as well as prints.
“My intention was to set up the site to sell Raymond Loewy prints because the subject matter crosses into a lot of areas of interest. There are planes, trains, boats and automobiles.” But, as Eric’s imagination took over, he expanded into other designers. “I wanted to share the history of these talented people as well as their creations.”
To learn more about the art, the designers and the work that is available through Eric company, visit Formfunctionart.com.
