Vox Pop
Tracey Emin’s summer fantasy is to design a chain of own-brand lidos, inspired by her Margate youth. What classic product or service associated with fine weather would you wish to revive or redesign, and why?
‘There’s absolutely no question that my contribution to Emin’s lidos would be a reissue of the gorgeous 1959 Fiat ‘Jolly’, open-top versions of either the Cinquecento (500) or Seicento (600), which were built by Ghia. Nothing evokes the idea of summer better: white wall tyres, bodywork in ice blue or sunburst yellow and wicker seats. Some were even available with a stria canopy top. “La vetturetta ideale per vostro svago” – the perfect little car for your amusement, the ads said. I saw one the other day and felt a solid rush of pleasure.’
Stephen Bayley, Managing director, Stephen Bayley
‘The sandcastle is up for a change. I would like to transform the bucket shapes of rather grandiose castles into more contemporary and accessible iconography for children. I imagine a beach with rows of semi-detached houses and privet hedges instead of castles with moats. I wonder whether children would start “competing with the Joneses” and trying to make better sand cars than their neighbours?’
Natasha Chetiyawardana, One Year On award-winner
‘As a south Londoner, I’m bound by the classic red Routemaster buses. Why they all have to have their heating on in the summer is a complete mystery to me. I’d have to design a bus for good weather, not just the London winter. A bus with a sun roof, where the windows could be opened, without upholstered seats smelling of pee or hot fuming diesel engines. A bus that would enhance that eternally wonderful moment of crossing the Thames on a sunny day.’
Luke Pearson, Creative director, Pearson Lloyd
‘I’d definitely love to design an ice cream that didn’t melt – that would just make my hot summer’s day.’
Micheal Johnson, Principal, Johnson Banks
‘I think it’s time we created a proper beach in London. I’d like to get rid of all the roads along the northern Embankment and make a long tree-lined beach promenade. Then we’d need to clean up the Thames and design a beach that moved with the tide. London’s designers would have a fantastic new hang-out space within the city and I could finally stop dreaming about moving to Barcelona.’
Malin Wallen, Studio manager, Why Not Associates
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