The Quest for Order, Objects of Design, by Andrzej Jakub Olejniczak

THE QUEST

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Objects_of_Design™

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by ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK ENVISIONING BUSINESS, INC. _ NEW YORK

www.generativevision.com www.envisioningbusiness.com

Objects_of_Design™

by ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK

ENVISIONING

BUSINESS,

INC.

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NEW

YORK

T H E

Q U E S T

F O R

O R D E R

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Objects_of_Design™

by ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK

ENVISIONING

BUSINESS,

INC.

_

NEW

YORK

T h e

Q u e s t

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O r d e r

Well-organized space can be defined and measured.

B e g i n w i t h a p o i n t . A d d a n o t h e r.

Connect the two to form a line.

Three lines define a triangle.

Rotate the triangle on its base to define a third dimension, a c o n e , w h i c h c a s t s a s h a d o w.

This is the domain of geometry, a place in which space, light, time and movement can be measured by static dispositions or progressions.

All components interact, unyielding to the interference of chaos. To Pythagoras, the quest was for Ideal Order. His belief in the transcendent value of Number inspired other explorers of the order of the universe — Plato, the Persian mystics of Sufism, medieval masters of kabbalah, great artists of the Renaissance. In the 20th century came Le Corbusier.

Oddly, thinking about the idea of Order immediately triggers thoughts about hierarchy and structure. Rudolph Arnheim, the professor of psychology of art, captured the essence of this connection: “ O R D E R IS A N E C E S S A RY C O N D IT IO N FO R A N Y T H IN G T H E H U M A N M IN D IS T O U N D E R S TA N D . A R R A N G E M E N T S S U C H A S A LAY O U T O F A C IT Y O R A B U ILD IN G , A S E T O F T O O LS , A D IS P LAY O F M E R C H A N D IS E , T H E V E R B A L

Thankfully, a few hardy individuals have dedicated themselves to the search for Order. Andrzej Olejniczak is among them. Perspectivo, Adorno, Steel Crystal, Axis, Razaroid. Objects.

All were born in the imagination of this designer, projected to life by his vision. Some are utilitarian — lamps, knives, product packaging. Others exist for no purpose other than to surprise us with their whimsy or intrigue us with their mystery.

E X P R E S S IO N O F FA C T S O R ID E A S , O R A PA IN T IN G O R A P IE C E O F M U S IC A R E C A LLE D O R D E R LY W H E N A N O B S E R V E R C A N G R A S P T H E IR O V E R A LL S T R U C T U R E A N D R A M IFIC AT IO N O F T H E S T R U C T U R E IN S O M E D E TA IL. O R D E R M A K E S IT P O S S IB LE T O FO C U S O N W H AT IS A LIK E A N D W H AT IS D IFFE R E N T, W H AT B E LO N G S T O G E T H E R A N D W H AT IS S E G R E G AT E D . W H E N N O T H IN G S U P E R FLU O U S IS

All of Olejniczak’s creations appear to be sculpted from infinity. Essential in the purest sense of the word. And they have life. The designer’s challenge is to use the tools of knowledge and inspiration to capture the flame, to illuminate the light. This mission can be undertaken only by artists whose vision and hands are capable of transcendence.

IN C LU D E D A N D N O T H IN G IN D IS P E N S A B LE IS LE FT O U T, O N E C A N U N D E R S TA N D T H E R E LAT IO N O F T H E W H O LE T O IT S PA R T S , A S W E LL A S T H E H IE R A R C H IC S C A LE O F IM P O R TA N C E A N D P O W E R B Y W H IC H S O M E S T R U C T U R A L FE AT U R E S A R E D O M IN A N T, O T H E R S U B O R D IN AT E . ” *

Does order then represent the innate nature of human intellect, surfacing as its subconscious need? Today the print and electronic media invade already stressed and fragmented lives, creating chaos and a deep sense of pointlessness.

We are being borne by a never-ending stream of chaotic events, fast-moving, relentless, which deflect our attention from the sad fact: we have lost touch with the order of the universe.

The hidden sense we assumed was there is. If we accept as truth the idea that Art is mimicked by Life, that consequently the flood of information is a pure exemplification of Post Modernist theory expressing total disintegration of the human environment, can we be saved?

For many years Olejniczak has been pursuing the career of a graphic designer, successfully managing his own studio, O&J Design. He has succeeded in dividing and simultaneously merging his imagination between applied arts and the art of geometry. The latter is always a challenge, an inspiration and a fulfillment, because it allows him to discover and rediscover ideal Order, to find peace and harmony within and without. Perhaps if Olejniczak could dedicate all his time and energy to the art of geometry he would be able to experience the full harmony of life and its parallel in the harmony of his forms. Perhaps.

Krzysztof Lenk

*RUDOLPH ARNHEIM “ENTROPY AND ART: AN ESSAY ON DISORDER AND ORDER”’ 1971.

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“To start out by ‘playing’ develops courage, leads in a natural manner to an inventive way of building and furthers the...facility of discovery.”

“learning...through experimentation takes more time, entails detours and wrong directions. Walking begins with crawling, and speaking with baby talk.

Josef Albers

As designers, we are engaged in a constant search for solutions that are simple, though never

“a modern space composition is not...the putting together

obvious. Our goal is to surprise and delight the

of differently shaped blocks and specifically not the

viewer, to facilitate the user’s action, and, through

building of rows of blocks of the same size or of different

it all, to unlock the secrets hidden in the elemental

sizes. Building materials are only a means, to be used

building blocks of form, geometry and of life itself.

as far as possible in expressing the artistic relations of created and divided space.”

Moholy-Nagy

“let us then create a new guild of craftsmen without the class distinctions that raise an arrogant barrier between craftsman and artist! Together let us desire, conceive, and create the new structure of the future, which will embrace architecture and sculpture and painting in one unity and which will one day rise toward heaven from the hands of a million workers like the crystal symbol of a new faith.”

Walter Gropius 1919

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“The more exact and complete [the] criteria are, the more creative the work becomes. The creative act is reduced to an act of selection” Karl Gerstner

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A Puzzle and Paperweight

This puzzle and thinking man’s paperweight is comprised of 12 identical interlocking geometrical pieces of galvanized steel. These individual “steel crystals” can be joined together in only one way.

Find the way and solve the puzzle.

STEEL CRYSTAL Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Parts were precision-machined and hard-press assembled

by M. Jaruga/ Wedzikowska Enterprise in Poland.

Sandblasting and electroless nickel coating were done

by Nick Lore / Central Machining Specialties, Farmingdale, NY. Elements:

Each of the 12 identical pieces of the puzzle consists of 5 parts produced in different quantities.

Total of 15 parts per piece and 180 per total puzzle.

Dimensions:

assembled puzzle 3.375” x 3.375” x 3.375”

Materials:

Steel and stainless steel

The second smaller version of the puzzle was designed and it also consisted of 12

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identical pieces completely machined out of aluminum — size assembled 2.245” cube.

“The engineer, inspired by the law of economy and governed by mathematical calculation, puts us in accord with universal law.�

Le Corbusier

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A Series of 3Dimensional Art Objects

Each 3dimensional geometric object in the Perspectívo series has been designed to work in relation to the mirror on which it is mounted. In each execution, the object and reflection work together to create an unusual image configuration. These configurations shift and bend constantly with the viewer’s perspective.

The reflecting objects are made variously of stainless steel, brass and wood.

Design and models:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Each of the objects in the PERSPECTIVÕ3D series is hand made using mahogany, brass or stainless steel rods or tubes.

Mounted on front surface mirror and cassette framed.

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Dimensions:

appr. 12” x 12” x 1.5”

“Why do apple blossoms always have five petals? Only children ask such questions. Adults pay little attention to such things, taking them for granted, like the fact that we use only as many numbers as we can count on our ten fingers. When we look deeply into the patterns of an apple blossom, a seashell, or a swinging pendulum, however, we discover a perfection, an incredible order, that awakens in us a sense of awe that we knew as children. Something reveals itself that is infinitely greater than we are and yet part of us; the limitless emerges from limits. .... ....These answers may not satisfy the experts, and they won’t still the curiosity of a single child, but they might lead to further, perhaps more fruitful questions about the puzzles and beauties hidden in the patterns and proportions of this world.”

Gyorgy Doczi

Logo design:

Clara Inhi Kim

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ADORNO Design Concept:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Design development, package design: Inhi Clara Kim

Position two Adorno pieces before you as seen in this diagram: one positioned to be wider than it is long (Piece A)...

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the o th to be er positio ne lo wide nger than d (P sure t iece B). M it is h a at eac at the not ke ch h positio corner ar es e indica ned as t diagr ed in the am.

Now and take top positi Piece of P on i A iece t on B.

Collaborating designer:

Jan Kubasiewicz

Display stand fabrication:

Kriss Olson studio

Package printing:

Cosmo Litho

Manufacturing:

Thermo Electron Tecomet, Marlboro, MA

Dimensions:

4.75” x 4.5”

Material:

0.010” stainless steel, full hard temper

Parts:

two identical interlocking for each pattern

Patterns:

nine

Tooling:

Film negatives - Linotron 500 - Business Link Communications, Inc., New York.

Shop drawings were prepared with use of Adobe Illustrator 3.0

Then s im each p ply connec t air of the notch ed insertin corners by g other, one into th and... e

Voila!

You have your ADORNO.

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A Series of Limited Edition Metal Sculptures

This series of nine limited edition metal sculptures (shown here in lacquered retail display) has been created with a high-precision fabrication technique. Under natural or incandescent light, Adorno

AXIS

sculptures provide a pleasing play of light and illusion.

They have been designed as Christmas tree ornaments, window art

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Design development:

Inhi Clara Kim

Dimensions:

3ӯ

Material:

0.031” stainless steel, full hard temper

Parts:

two (spiral and pin) to be assembled by the receiver

Manufacturer:

PCM Products, Inc., Titusville, FL

Tooling:

Film negatives - Linotron 500 - Business Link Communications, Inc., New York.

or mobiles. Each sculpture requires a simple two-part assembly.

Shop drawings were prepared with use of Adobe Illustrator 3.0

Adorno was sold exclusively by Rizzoli.

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A Metal Sculpture of Light and Space

This metal sculpture begins as a flat disc made of stainless steel die-cut in a spiral. Using a small metal pin (the axis), the disc uncoils to reveal a sphere of light and space.

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Design:

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.500" .125" .500" .125" .500"

3.000"

.125" .500"

1.500"

.125" .500"

5.000"

Ø.125"

Ø.125"

15ϒ 30ϒ

85ϒ 105ϒ

120ϒ

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A Family of Lighting Fixtures Torchiere, Sconce and Ceiling Light

Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Engineering Consultant:

Andrzej Duljas

Prototype:

Koch+Lowy

discs, sandwiching a halogen fixture. Each disc is

Glass manufacturer:

Glamour Glass Corp., Taipei, Taiwan

sandblasted and silk-screened with a concentric

Torchiere specifications

The yO - yO family features two crystal glass

design element mimicking the outward burst of sun rays and creating an intriguing optical

Height:

6’ 2”

Shade:

8” ø

Base:

13” ø

Materials:

painted steel, aluminum, PYREX disks

Light:

110 volt 150 watt halogen, full range dimmer

effect. As a torchiere or sconce, yO yO casts a wall

PYREX disks were silkscreened by Janus Screen Graphics., New York.

shadow which repeats the shape of the discs and

Four patterns on PYREX disks were created with use of the

the pattern of the silk-screened design.

Designed for Koch + Lowy, Inc., manufacturer of designer lighting.

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Adobe Illustrator 3.0 software.

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L I G H T I N G

F I X T U R E S

Halogen, high- voltage wall lamp.

Concept

12 volt 50 watt halogen, desk lamp.

Concept

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Halogen, high- voltage suspension lamp.

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Logo and Architectural Signage

This logo and exterior sign (12’ x 18’) was designed for wall-mounting on the facade of a new television production facility. The design used a series of three-dimensional, tiered aluminum ribs to create a striking optical effect of movement as viewers passed (or drove) by. Visible under natural light during the day, the effect was especially dramatic at night, when the sign was backlit.

Design logo and 3D structure:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Architectural consultant:

Jerzy Glowczewski, A.I.A.

Client:

Arol Development Corporation

Dimensions:

18’ x 12’ x 8”

Model:

O&J Design, Inc.

Materials:

Aluminum extrusions

Light:

Fluorescent tubings mounted inside ribbed extrusions directed at the back wall

Elements:

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22 ribs, each consisting of three to five segments. All standard extrusions.

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A Family of Candle Holders

This family of candle holders has been created with two elemental geometric shapes — anodized aluminum squares and high-polished stainless steel cylinders. These primary elements opened the possibility for the cost-efficient manufacture of a variety of sizes and executions in the Elemental Fire series.

The same design criteria were observed in the design of these holders below. Minimum number of elements, simple manufacturing requirements and easy assembly predispose these holders to become a family of different heights. The holder on the right can be turned upside-down to accommodate different types of candles or just to change the shape.

Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Height:

3.5� (bottom left) to 7� (top)

Materials:

machined aluminum bases, stainless steel rods

Finish:

base black hard anodized, rods high-polished

Photo-top:

Ryszard Horowitz

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An Exhibit for Sotheby’s

This exhibit display case transformed 150 miniature snuff bottles from a world-famous collection into a multi-faceted pyramid of light and color. The case was made of mahogany, Plexiglas®, brass hardware and glass; illumination emanated from the bottom and top.

This unique display was commissioned by Sotheby’s, the world’s leading auction house.

Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Engineering consultant:

Andrzej Duljas

Model:

O&J Design, Inc.

Manufacturing: Pyramid:

Kriss Olson Studio

Wood work and assembly: Sotheby’s Restoration Silk-screening:

Janus Screen Graphics., New York

Assembly diagram:

Inhi Clara Kim

Size:

5’ x 5’ footprint, 7’ high

Materials:

Pyramid: plexiglass

Hardware:

brass, including security lock

Display base and top crown cabinetry: mahogany finished plywood

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Display sides windows:

high-impact safety glass

Lights:

fluorescent and halogen spot lights

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Design:

O&J Design, Inc.

Manufacturing:

Small Quantities, Inc., Metuchen, NJ

Dimensions:

2 3/8” lenght 1 3/16” width

A Primary Tool

The Razoroid razor blade holder is a tool for designers, artists,

Andrzej J. Olejniczak,

Prototype:

1 1/2” depth Materials:

Stainless steel

Finish:

Sand blasted surface

Parts:

The holder consists of two distinct, symmetrical and

identically sized and fashioned tetrahedron shapes that are joined at a common side by interlocking mechanism. For use by right and left handed persons.

craftsmen and others. Manufactured from one die-cut piece of stainless steel, the Razoroid features an ergonomic design that unites the blade and blade-holder into a single unit — safe and easy-to-use. The Razoroid has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent Office.

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“Standards are the products of logic, of analysis and painstaking study; they are evolving on the basis of a problem well stated. In the final analysis, however, a standard is established by experimentation,�

Le Corbusier

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POP-UPS

POP-UPS Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Prototype:

O&J Design, Inc.

Manufacturer: Friedman Cut-Outs, New York, NY

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Silk-screen:

Janus Screen Graphics, New York

Materials:

Kromlux Cover-110 lb., rubber band

Process:

die-cut, die-scored, folded

Finish:

on left: foil-stamped on right: silkscreened

Illustrations:

Inhi Clara Kim

SURPRISE IT’S A BOX

K+L BOX Design:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Model:

O&J Design, Inc.

Manufacturing: Mac Allied, Brooklyn, NY Printing:

Tanagraphics

Materials:

outside box: printed, scored, folded, glued insert:

brown corrugated board, die-cut, scored

Universal packaging for two types of clocks.

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Inhi Clara Kim

C O N F E R E N C E

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T A B L E

Client:

CCG MetaMedia, Inc.

Design concept:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Designer:

Inhi Clara Kim

Manufacturing:

Cal Osland, Inc.

Dimensions:

11’Ø high 30”

Material:

Plywood and aluminum

Parts:

Manufacturing requires six standard parts produced in multiple quantities

Shop drawings were prepared with use of Adobe Illustrator 3.0, and Adobe Dimensions 2.0 software.

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P F I Z E R

E X H I B I T

This trade show exhibit was designed to be viewed simultaneously from all three sides and was build on triangular plan.

Three identical structures (as showed in diagram) were built. Each section head projected the same multimedia program, all synchronized by computer.

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“We live, in fact, in the three dimensional world. What we see in front of us is not a flat picture with length and breadth only, but an expanse with physical depth, the third dimension. The ground underneath our feet stretches all the way to the distant horizon.

We can look straight ahead, look back, look to the left, look to the right, look up, and look down. What we see is a continuum of space in which we are enveloped. There are many objects nearby which we can touch, and objects farther away which are also tangible if we try to reach for them.�

Wucius Wong

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P F I Z E R

E X H I B I T

2

Set of the trade show display panels and furniture.

Was designed to create convenient conference area.

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S Z A F A

A closet

Design to fulfill single family needs where the limits of the floor space determined the closet’s height for its maximum capacity.

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O & J

D E S I G N

W O R K

S P A C E

Designing one’s own workspace is a daunting undertaking for any designer—and a wonderful opportunity. When it came time for O&J Design to expand its business to a second floor, partner Andrzej Olejniczak wanted to do something special on a limited budget. That required creative solutions on several fronts.

Extreme functionality was a given. Olejniczak designed a fluid, open workspace to accommodate three design stations, a reception area, and ample storage and equipment space. The key to bringing his design to life within his budget was creative material selection and imaginative fabrication of major design elements.

“The raw space featured wonderful old pine wood floors and a room-length wall of distressed brick too charming to hide,” Olejniczak said. “That led me to think that this room required recycling, not wholesale renovation, and that the materials used should be elemental, readily available, and inexpensive—just like the wood and brick.”

Olejniczak created a palette of commercial building materials to work with— industrial metal, wood and concrete.

Then he developed an innovative system for using them.

Industrial Metal… and Imagination

Corrugated galvanized steel was used throughout the space. Commonly

used for under-flooring and industrial partitioning, in Olejniczak’s hands it became a novel and attractive material for creating storage racks and covering heating, electrical and plumbing apparatus.

Copper plumbing pipe and stainless steel grating was used to create lighting fixtures, designed by Olejniczak. The pipe also was used to create a unique coat rack.

Metal studs commonly used for wall construction here traverse the ceiling, supporting the lighting fixtures and hiding electrical wires.

Finally, the elevator door was stripped of decades of paint and steel-brushed to a silvery patina.

Concrete and Wood: Elemental Building Blocks

Birch-finished plywood (1“) was used for a wall of floor-to-

ceiling shelving convenient to the major work spaces. This same material was configured into generous chevronshaped desks. As supports for each desk, Olejniczak created unique concrete wedges from his own mold-solid anchors for a solid design.

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L A N T E R N

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The suspension lamp.

2 0 0 6

Designer:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Lamp shade dimensions:

aproximetly 25” X 25” X 9”

Lamp extention:

25”

Total wertical dimensions:

50”

Material:

Polypropylene, bronze and aluminum

Parts:

Manufacturing requires 12 standard parts to be produced

Shop drawings were prepared with use of Adobe Illustrator.

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I N T I M A T E

S P H E R E

objet d’art

One of the objects from the series of Objects of Design™.

Art object by:

Andrzej J. Olejniczak

Dimensions:

11” X 11” X 11”

Material:

Two species of wood, hard maple and mahogany

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Andrzej Jakub Olejniczak Creative Director / Designer

Andrzej J. Olejniczak is currently the President and Creative Director of Envisioning Business, Inc. He begin his career as a graphic designer in Łódz´, Poland where he graduated with a Master’s of Fine Arts and Design degree and later was appointed Adjunct Professor, teaching typography and silkscreen techniques. After a period as an independent designer there and in Europe (including work at Tel-Design Studio in Hague, Holland), he moved to the United States and held art direction and graphic design positions at advertising agencies. He has worked on major communication programs for clients, including corporate identities, business development packages, architectural signage and event/product promotions for major corporations and art institutions.

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In 1984 he established his own design practice in New York

After 25 years of recognition as O&J Design, Inc.

and founded O&J Design, Inc.

partners decided to transition the name to Envisioning Business, Inc. It has been O&J Design Trade Mark and

The firm has established a reputation among

leading principal from the very beginning. It was

its clients as a provider of innovative solutions to

coined by one of our clients who strongly believe that

design challenges across the spectrum of visual

partners’ capability to listen, observe, analyze and

communication. The firm has focused on corporate

most importantly synthesize always informed in depth

and marketing communication, specializing in the

visual communication expertise and creativity.

comprehensive identity programs, packaging

All these years Andrzej succeeded in dividing and

programs, effective corporate communication, and

simultaneously merging his imagination between

innovative product design. Its clients include major

applied arts and fine arts. He has been discovering and

corporations, government agencies, and non for profit

rediscovering the themes that capture his interests.

organizations. From it’s nascence O&J’s philosophy

They embodied his fascination with serendipity and

of design was based on in-depth knowledge of

how it influences the creative process. He effortlessly

business needs, interdisciplinary approach to design,

moves from 2 to 3-D exploration through painting,

and rapidly changing communication

photography, sculpture, interior design and 3-D

methods

by technology. Coupled with this intelligence

objects.

and experience was imagination, and the level of dedication to client service and satisfaction that many clients found rare. O&J Design has always attracted skilled and passionate designers that together with partners and outside collaborators developed outstanding solutions. Thus their work has been rewarded by many national and international communication organization and professional publications.

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THANKS TO ALL DESIGNERS AND PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATED WITH O&J DESIGN, INC. WHO, DURING THE LAST 27 YEARS CONTRIBUTED AND HELPED MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: KRZYSZTOF LENK STEVE ROTHMAN AND MY WIFE BASIA

MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT SERJANT AND RICHARD GOODBODY

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN PREPARED USING EXTENSIVELY APPLE COMPUTERS. PHOTO MANIPULATIONS WERE DONE WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP SOFTWARE. LAYOUTS WERE EXECUTED WITH USE OF ADOBE INDESIGN SOFTWARE.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP AND ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED. MACINTOSH IS REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTER, INC.

© 1995_2016 ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK ENVISIONING BUSINESS, INC. 341 EAST 18 TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 E-MAIL. ajo1@envisioningbusiness.com www.envisioningbusiness.com www.generativevision.com

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THE QUEST

T H E

Q U E S T

F O R

O R D E R

FOR

20

11

OB

JE

ORDER

©

—

CT O

F DE

S IG

N™ by

An

drz e j J. O le j n

icz a k

Objects_of_Design™

S

by ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK ENVISIONING BUSINESS, INC. _ NEW YORK

www.generativevision.com www.envisioningbusiness.com

Objects_of_Design™

by ANDRZEJ JAKUB OLEJNICZAK

ENVISIONING

BUSINESS,

INC.

_

NEW

YORK