We came across this coupling of essential quotes when we were poking around John Zernings blog about Garden Trellises and Architectural Space Frames.
“Applied to architecture and structure, the former is primarily an aesthetic position; the latter is a principle of economy.” wrote Zerning. We find both immensely useful, and made a sign to remind us…”
You might wonder how we ever came across Zerning’s site in the first place, living in the city as we do, with no garden, or even a terrace. We were following the trail of some images that have been flying around the blogs, of a beautiful architecture of wires…
John Zerning
…that Zerning devised for a structure he created, using “the principle of the bicycle wheel applied to a spatial closed system”…
John Zerning
Its first iteration was made out of straws (reminding us how making models of what we want to create can help us figure things out)…
John Zerning
Zernings blog is really about structures and how to think about them. He loves thinking HARD about things from the inside out. No wonder: He’s studied architecture and has a Master of Philosophy Degree in civil engineering (??!!!). We especially LOVE his post DIY Geodesic Dome that Packs Into a Suitcase with wondrous pictures and comments, like “Interior view of the parachute shelter. The principles of ancient kite technology applied to a contemporary tent”…Oh-h-h-h-h, we see…
….and his own d–i-y work-around for making the domes connectors…
John Zerning
We can’t help but think but seeing his thinking-in-action will help our own. It’s a lesson about how something seemingly off-the-subject, can be so on-target.
Sadly after a period of illness John Zerning died earlier this month.
His works can still be seen in the private gardens of St George’ Fields London W2, his home for many years
We are so sorry to hear that Zerning passed away. We hope that is beautiful works will be preserved and see them in person one day.