Jean Michel Frank and Florence Knoll - Essay Example

Jean Michel Frank and Florence Knoll, famous architects and furniture designers, have put their creative imprints in various places. They are known for developing two key furniture objects, a Parsons table and a Credenza storage cabinet. Both these furniture objects have become an integral and interesting part of people’s living spaces. However, there appears some difference in the way, they are used and their reflection on human behaviours. In future, incorporating both these objects in the living space by aptly adapting them, can aid the architects to give both an antique and a modernistic look.

Parsons table has four square legs, which have the same thickness as its deck or top, whatever may be the length or width of the table. It has maximally influenced human behaviours because it is part of many homes and also because people have modified the table according to their purposes. “Essentially it’s a sleek, spare, versatile table that designer Susan Brunstrum believes every home needs.” (Gerlach Group 2011). In the first part of the 20th century, it was used as a deluxe decorative furniture item without mass use. However, as part of changing culture, people wanted a decorative table, which can be used in a multipurpose manner. “Its striking design makes it the perfect cocktail table, coffee table, dining table, side table or occasional table,’’ (Gerlach Group 2011).

Credenzas are storage cabinets with both fixed cabinets and adjustable shelves. When it was launched in line with the culture of perfectionism in the early 1960s’, it came up with perfect and at the same time cool and interesting designs. As people from various regions showed interest in this product, it became further adaptive, as it incorporated different fabrics, different metal finishes, etc. “Her pieces generally fitted into the International style – a post-Bauhaus doctrine favouring clean lines and the use of chromed metal.” (Florence Knoll n. d.).

From the above analysis of the two objects, it is clear that both are decorative and at the same time purposive furniture. Although, both objects got evolved from their development years into different designs, make, etc, both have different purposes, with Parson Table being used in a more multi-purpose manner than Credenza.

When the similar aspects between the two objects are compared, the first noticeable thing is both are decorative as well as purposeful objects in a living room. Both have evolved and are still evolving according to the tastes and purposes of people from different cultures. Both use a variety of metals to give them a strong body, as well as an international look.

Regarding the differences, as mentioned above, the Parson table is more flexible than the Credenza as it can be given more modifications, and made multi-purposeful. Starting from the coffee table to the side table, dining table, etc, it can be used in different manners. However, when it comes to Credenza, its main purpose is storage, other than that it cannot be used in a free-flowing manner as the Parson table.

 Both Parson Table and Credenza have evolved and will still evolve, as it is being still used in many households. With people wanting multipurpose and at the same decorative item, it is up to the designers of the future to come up with apt designs and strong build, so they can have an everlasting presence.