Case Study 1: Streamline — Michael R Golden

Goal: To introduce a new shape/form using a waterjet to cut “crystal glass” & increase value with a secondary mold, forming the glass into a curve.

“I want this to be ultra smooth, cool, slick, like a “muscle car”, “to appear in motion”

Started: July 2011 Introduced in Spring 2012

First Drawing:

My initial shape was a mix between a car spoiler, a wheel flair, and an air scoop. The water jet process is expensive. Making the chip shape larger allowed cost to be reduced and visual value to be increased.

To further accentuate the unique outer edge, the sheet does not have consistent grout spacing.

Development, Form:

The production source worked up clay models. To fully express the subtlety of the design, I worked with a sculptor, studying the transitional forms/lines of an automobile.

The process took a few refinements to get just right.

Development, Color:

I knew that I wanted the sheets to have a few colors, with
minimal variation. Also, I wanted some of the chips to have a semi-mirrored finish.

We tried many combinations, including a white-on-white, which at the time, no one in the industry was offering.

Collection:

Streamline was introduced at the Coverings Trade Fair, the leading US tile/mosaic trade show.

It is available nationally through Avenue Mosaic affiliated showrooms.

View on Avenue Mosaic

Post Script:

Streamline has become an iconic design, (unfortunately) widely copied by lower quality versions.

Featured in Interior Design Markets Spring 2015 magazine.