The Austin Healey ‘Bugeye’ Sprite is a great example of a ‘Modern’ or ‘Contemporary’ design sensibility that has, over the years, become a classic. The sleek lines of this iconic roadster, notice; no door handles, no hood (or ‘bonnet’), no trunk (a ‘boot’ is used), no front bumper, produce a clean refined effect similar to much of my work. When driving this car I unceasingly get looks, I think, not only because of its diminutive size, but because we (people of all walks in life) are imbued with an innate sense of the sublime. One cannot help but be effected by the Bugeye’s distinctive design elements. The round headlights, the shape of the front grill, the bonnet and side wings capped with little round running lights, the perfect proportional relationship of bonnet to cab to boot…
The Sprite does not only impress by looks alone but is highly functional. The 948cc inline four cylinder engine and rack and pinion steering derived from the Morris Minor 1000, combined with a comfortable and ergo-dynamic seating cab, big steering wheel and great handling make this car fun to drive.
When considering
good design, whether it is a roadster or a building, one must keep in mind that not only are the aesthetic qualities important but functionality is a must. These qualities shine in the Bugeye and I aim to do the same when commissioned to design your building.
