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Aeronautics as inspiration for design

Picture of María Isabel Montero

María Isabel Montero

AERTEC / Head of PMO & MRO – Madrid Division

 

Given the continuous reinvention of technologies and fashion and the increasing motivation for designers to create something new and unique, aeronautics has emerged as a source of creation that goes far beyond the original industrial sense of the term. In fact, this new design sector, in which aircraft parts are used to create unique pieces of furniture, is proving to be remarkably strong.

This new design concept is prized by aviation enthusiasts as well as by people who like to enjoy creative alternatives in both their personal and professional daily lives.

Some aircraft parts may enjoy a new lease of life as unique decorative elements. Are you into this trend?

There are few chairs, desks or conference tables that can claim to be as unique as a conference table built from a General Electric engine nacelle from a Boeing 747. This table, with several artistic awards to its name, was created by Moto Art, a design studio dedicated to restoring aeronautical parts and turning them into unique high-end furniture. Or a ceiling fan made using the propeller of an F4U Corsair. And that’s not to mention the desk made from a Sharklet discarded from an Airbus A320 due to a small imperfection which has been converted into a unique piece to be found on the Portobello Street website.

Many of the parts that are used in this new interior design trend come from the requirement to renew aircraft components, mainly due to their obsolescence and compliance with safety standards. Others have their origins in parts containing small imperfections and which fail to comply with standards. Finally there are parts obtained from aircraft which have reached their end of life and are destined for the scrap heap. It is possibly the latter which enable aviation romantics to get their hands on the most vintage and curious pieces.

Finally, another added value of this exclusive furniture is the fact that some designers allow customers to customise the item to their liking. For example, they could opt for items such as LED lighting in their preferred colour, the inclusion of corporate colours and elements or the addition of power sockets, audio or multimedia devices. The only limit is the designers’ imagination.

Many aircraft parts have the opportunity to be designed twice. The first time to form part of an aircraft, whereas the second, once they have fulfilled their original mission, is to be customised to form part of the life of an aircraft enthusiast.

Would you like to own a piece of aviation history?

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