The other day I did a post about deck barrier railings made out of tree branches, and how they were not appropriate as a barrier even though they were very "attractive." 
When we attempt to meld creativity with function we can often get ourselves into trouble. Things like barrier railings that are required by the building codes to be "safe" can be done in a way that is also attractive, but to have it end up being "Art" is most likely not going to happen.
For me, Art doesn't do well when "confined" to requirements that have nothing to do with it. For example it is obvious that a painting is going to be confined by the properties and limitations of the paint itself. To say, for example, that it must be "religious" in nature is to add a secondary requirement to it. There was a time in human history when Art was defined that way. To say that only "landscapes" are art, is to also place limits on it. For me the best art is that which has the fewest secondary constraints.
But I digress from the focus of this post. I thought I would share a photo of an indoor stairwell barrier railing that was another attempt at confusing art with the functional requirements of what a barrier railing is all about. While it is "attractive"----it is barely functional at all.
To me this railing looks more like something a kid would want to climb on---much like something they would find at a playground.
I would contrast this barrier railing with one that is 80 years old and meets all current requirements and is attractive as well. And, while I would not consider it art at all, I would say that it demonstrates very nice craftsmanship and does what it is supposed to do----be a barrier.
Charles Buell
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My WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures and some selected POEMS & STORIES.
Yes, I agree, kids would be all over it. It does not look very study or even comfortable to the hand and forget fallin on it, it looks like it would hurt.
Jane, I agree that falls against the thing would NOT be very comfortable:)
Many kids do not stop to think, "hey that looks dangerous". It more like, hey race you to the bottom and use the large gap as a short cut to beat the other sibling downstairs without a second thought.
~ All the Best
Scary! As a mom I would opt for the second photo...or have it a solid half wall all together...I know how tempted kids are to "slide" down the railings in photo two as well. I WAS THAT KID ONCE!
guess there are no children in that house! in the words of a great robot.... DANGER Will Robinson! DANGER!!
,Rebecca, while sliding down the railing in the second picture might be fun---the sudden stop at the bottome would likely deter repeat performances:)
Kara, or "Houston---we have a problem."
it's a very good looking, art deco railing... with a nice hole for the kids to take a diving leap through!
Hi Charles, I'm not really a "Modern" fan...but I did actually like the railing in the first picture. Too bad "art" does not pass code! This is the artist in me wanting everything to be eye candy! LOL
I am wondering if a few more roundy round swirly things could be added to cut the gaps? How long had that rail been in place without a broken neck? cw
I agree with you on this, Charles. The good old fashioned stair case and rail is much better. The other one does not seem either attractive or serviceable.
Mr Charles,
In this article you keep referring to someone named Art. Which Art would that be. I know a few. Your buddy, Nutsy.
Alan---it is sort of "Art Deco" like isn't it.
Lizette---not usually what I think of when the term "eye candy" is referred to:)
Cheryl, the railing was a couple of years old.
Barbara, great use of the word "serviceable"----you been reading my blog?:)
Nutsy, time to go back on vacation so I can wonder where "art thou"
Charles - Looks like Steven is back again tonite looking for trouble. I think that is Steven's middle name "trouble". As for the railing, what can I say that all of the above already said. They must be nuts.
Railing can be made to be artsy and functional at the same time. I've seen railings with spindals which were carvered in an artsy way. Spindals can be made of various forms of metal to creat an artsy look.
Just think of all the potential "Artsy" things we could see in buildings if it weren't for the rules and regulations and building codes.
Sean Allen
Carl & Ceil, Steve is nuttier than that squirrel Nutsy of his.
Sean, I would argue that when you apply "Art" to "Function"----you tend to end up with "Artsyfartsy"
I just thought of something which is unusual for me...what if we didn't have codes? OMG
I like art. I'm Not crazy about the railings but art is so subjective. Somebody should do a post on the Art of blogging just to prove the point. You know Hitler was a pretty good artist he did land scapes. He was rejected from A or the Vienna art school. He couldnt paint portraits very well apparently which was all the rave now you can read into that what you will. I see Nutzy, in a in ground pool filled with ice cold water and with a number of highly competitive wolverines if you catch my meaning...
Carl & Ceil, some nut-case like Hammurabi would come along no doubt:)
Klee, artists are famous for having a "dark side." Nutsy on the other hand could be a "side dish."
You definitely run across some INTERESTING things during your inspections Charles! Thanks for sharing another gem.
Cheryl, it keeps the job fun!
Did you get to meet that particular artist? Bet that was interesting. Sign on front door, "People over 6'3" and 200 lbs only".
I personally have trouble with designs that live by the rule "form before function". Form should follow function in most cases, especially one related to safety issues. The most beautiful building in the world would be useless if it had no door to enter it.
Charlie, The function should be the first design element with the aesthetic qualities following. The 80 year old railing is a good example.