Airworld: Design and Architecture for Air Travel

by Barbara Hauss, Hasso Spode, Koos Bosma

Over the past century, no means of transportation has been so profoundly developed and transformed as the aeroplane. Within a mere eight decades--since the first regular airline flights in 1919--flying has gone from being the adventurous, exclusive pleasure of a select few to a mass phenomenon. Civilian air travel has not only created its own technical standards, but also produced its own aesthetic: cabin interiors, airport architecture, airline corporate design, flight attendant uniforms, and tableware. With many illustrations and archival materials that have never before been presented to the public, this book is dedicated to this 'airworld' and the designers, architects, graphic artists and fashion designers that created it. Nine richly illustrated essays explore the history of air travel from the perspective of design and architectural history, thus offering a unique source for those interested in design as well as those with a passion for the history of air travel. As Andy Warhol put it: "Airplanes and airports have my favorite kind of food service, my favorite kinds of entertainment, my favorite graphics and colors, the best security checks, the best views, the best employees and the best optimism."

296 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2004

Reviews

[david · Rating 5 out of 5]

anyone who is fascinated with air travel / the history / the design / complete book.

i was really lucky to see the exhibit at the Vitra museum years ago... it was beautiful