|
While not an architectural project per se, 33 Bridges is a project in itself: A way to show Oyster Works' clients, fans of architecture, and everyone in between the artistic aspects of architecture, and how it applies to things other than buildings.
Damara Ortolani Sisti, who holds a master's degree in architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol and joined Oyster Works about a year ago, explained that the name "33 Bridges" symbolizes finding connections between architectural ideas of today and of yesteryear. [Oyster Works Hires Damara Ortolani Sisti]
"The number 33 is the age difference between [Megan and me], and the bridge idea is that we're bridging generations," she said - namely generational differences between art, style, culture, and, of course, architecture.
"We see the blog as kind of an extension of our design approach," Moynihan said. "My grandmother used to say, 'Never buy anything unless it's useful or beautiful.' I would say, 'Never buy anything useful unless it's beautiful.' And what we really try to do in our architecture is really make things work for people, and [be] useful and functional, but also try to make them beautiful and stylish and pleasurable to be in visibly."
[National Design Publication Features Oyster Works' Project]
Even the name of the company, Oyster Works, is to symbolize the connection between usefulness and beauty. Besides loving oysters, Moynihan said she considers an oyster to be "the perfect design," with its beautiful and unique shell and practical application of holding the oyster inside.
"The boundaries between fine art, products, architecture are very fluid. It's all about making things that are beautiful to look at, and fun and elegant and well-designed."
[Dish Drainer Inspired by Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava]
"The built environment that people think of as architecture, also reflects art," Baer added. "There's a lot of interior design and style. And many times, people think of architecture as solely the building, when really, architecture both contains and expresses a whole range of art."
One such example of art and architecture coexisting was made in a recent entry on 33 Bridges about pop superstar Lady Gaga, whose outrageous fashion, the team at Oyster Works explains, reflects elements of architecture. "She's such a cultural figure who really does relate to all these things," Baer said. "I think not many architects necessarily explicitly make those connections." [Lady Gaga and Architecture]
Ortolani Sisti described her take on architecture as "a form of art that's usable. I think the idea of having this usable art can transfer to products, to fashion, to a sculpture in your house, to a couch, to whatever," she said. "I think the definition of architecture can be applied to other forms of art."
Visit www.33bridges.com to learn more about architecture and its applications in daily life. To find out more about Oyster Works, visit www.oysterworks.net.
| 
