When I was young they were directly for sitting. The playfulness afforded by a seat with no backing seemed unlimited. I could lay belly down, flying across the carpet as a human bird or airplane. Siting up and using my balance the four legs, points of contact with the ground, could become three, two, or one, as I spun and rotated left and right with pitch and yaw. Maneuvers and choreography developed: right spin, left spin, dizzying 360. A coffee table will not do. Now that I am older a coffee table still will not do, it is not enough. I need the ottoman for my tired feet, bounced around all day, cooped in a cubicle and pounded on pavement. A recliner is good, but the ottoman offers finer adjustments with the free range of decoupling. Not many of my friends’ living rooms have them unfortunately. It seems the ottoman is quickly forgotten and easily deemed unnecessary with a fat couch and thick recliner surrounding a coffee table now most common. Still if there is room for ottomans, and in my living room I make sure there is, nothing else is quite like them.
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Meditations on the Minimal Office
In the Bockenheim district of Frankfurt sits a large glass cube containing modest amounts of what at first sight is merely old wood. A plain office quickly becomes apparent, flat uniform brown desk, simple wooden chair, with only a lamp and metronome for adornment. The craftsmanship is unembellished, the bare modern style, functional but not advanced, simple lines and pure colors. Perhaps the office should be a place that merges comfort and organization, cabinets, drawers, varieties of containing spaces. Chairs with thick backs, adjustable dongles, and, why not, a cup holder. Still there is an intellectual use for simplicity. The glass cube is a monument to Theodor Adorno, German sociologist, philosopher, and public intellectual. That explains the metronome, Adorno was always fascinated by the contrast between popular and studied forms of music. For someone who makes their bread by the rigor, power, and originality of their thought alone a simple, sturdy, and well crafted wooden office can allow escape from bureaucratic demands and the post-industrial burden of complexity.
Wood or Aluminum – Which is Better?
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In the world of patio furniture, wood has historically been the most popular choice. However, aluminum has grown in recent years as a more popular alternative. Patio furniture can be an expensive and
long-lasting purchase – if one is to make a decision regarding wood or aluminum, they should be aware of the major benefits of each. Outdoor wood furniture comes in 3 varieties.
Pine, historically, is the most popular variety of wood. it is also the least expensive, which contributes to it’s popularity. Pine furniture can last for years after purchase, but only with proper care. Otherwise,
the pine furniture may be susceptible to warping or rotting. A weatherproof coating, applied several times throughout the life of the furniture, will combat the problem.
Cedar has a popular red color and a famous, appealing scent that make it a good material for patio furniture. Cedar also has a natural resistance to rot, insects, and other erosions – therefore, it needs no
weatherproofing like pine does. On the other hand, Cedar can be significantly more expensive than pine.
The final wood furniture material, teak, is most likely the best choice for wood furniture. Although it is quite expensive, it is well worth the price. Teak can last for over a hundred years, and is particularly
resistant to rust and corrosion. It is the wood of choice for many professionals, and is almost perfect for patio furniture.
Aluminum lies on the other side of the spectrum from wood. While all woods carry some risk of corroding or rotting, aluminum carries no risk or rusting. It’s durable, and lightweight, making it easy to
rearrange patio furniture. Nowadays, aluminum furniture can be cast into various different and complex designs, making aluminum furniture especially beautiful and stunning. Aluminum furniture will last for
years, given that it will not rust or erode.
The main drawback to aluminum furniture is that it can be somewhat uncomfortable – however, proper cushioning can make it somewhat more comfortable. In the end, the choice comes down to one of time
and money. If you’re looking to buy furniture that will last a lifetime, and money is no issue, teak could be the best choice. Aluminum can last a great deal of time, however, if the design is not pleasing than
this may not matter to the buyer. By considering the benefits of both wood and aluminum, a capable consumer should be able to make a proper decision.