FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF: A LESSON IN ART & DESIGN

         photo by Kumpan Electric I Unsplash

The classic 1986 movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is much more than a hijinks school comedy heroising some quick-witted kids. Like many, I am occasionally drawn to re-watch and relive a time of relative innocence when truancy was considered the high-water mark for rebelliousness, with the resulting adverse school record reflecting your individuality.

The movie resonates on another, more subliminal level, quite separate from the sociological one that evokes nostalgia. 

This subliminal level is given an overture when Ferris, his girlfriend, and his buddy visit the Art Institute of Chicago, where they appear to pay homage to masterpieces that include works by Picasso and Pollock.

Visiting an art gallery is incongruous for truants.

The movie presents a profound lesson in art, design and sustainability apart from its comedic overlay. 

The film's visual appeal is no accident. Director John Hughes masterfully employs optical storytelling techniques to showcase the vibrancy of Chicago.

The scenes at the Art Institute of Chicago, with its iconic “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” painting, demonstrate the fusion of art within the film’s narrative.

The use of camera angles, vibrant colours, and iconic landmarks like the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) contribute to the film's aesthetic appeal.

This lesson and the references made, particularly within the construct of a comedy film, highlight exemplary human expression. 

The first example is the Carrozzeria Scaglietti 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spider- arguably one of the best Ferrari has ever been created.

photo courtesy Wikipedia

This sports car is an undeniable masterpiece that is prized by collectors. This is proven by the massive value it is ascribed at car auctions.

Apart from meeting aerodynamics' needs and projecting a powerful dynamism while idle, its lines also shine as an example of stunning industrial design that we keep wanting to look at, study, and admire.

In the film, the Ferrari resides most of the time at Ferris' best friend Cameron Frye's father's home. 

The home was inspired by how it showcased the iconic Ferrari and seemed in total harmony with its setting.

It was designed by A. James Speyer, a student of the great modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

The residence, built in 1953, is the Ben Rose House in Highland Park, Illinois.

photo courtesy Wikipedia

Apart from being an example of mid-century architecture at its finest, it spurs us to reflect on what makes a residential building so connected with its setting. This reflection is timely, as too often, we hear about sustainable housing and related topics, which, for the most part, only address a fraction of what sustainability is really about-driven mainly by trending topics.

The conversation surrounding sustainable buildings mainly pivots around energy efficiency, with little to no consideration given to the carbon footprint or how a building harmonises with its environmental setting. 

Traditional bulk building materials such as masonry and concrete are some of the biggest offenders regarding their carbon impact on the environment. 

Industry custom and practice impede the shift to more sustainable building materials, which would provide architects with a richer palette and society with more sustainable and inspirational housing.

The Ben Rose House has a relatively low impact on the environment. 

The design raises it above the sloping site without cutting, filling or retaining walls. Its design has been in harmony with its setting since 1953. 

Its design reaches out and grabs the surrounding beauty with the consequence that it becomes a part of its interior design while at the same time paying homage to its setting by way of its sympathetic architectural and structural engineering design.

Our living environment is as essential to our health as our genes and access to health providers. Buildings have a fundamental impact on our health and well-being.

Studies related to investigating the connection between wood and human health are overwhelmingly showing the benefits that accompany more sustainable building materials like wood. 

For this reason, progressive architects and engineers are incorporating wood in the designs and structures of health care and educational facilities. 

Homes that connect to nature, allow natural sunlight, include plants, water elements, and wood positively impact health and wellness. 

Of equal importance is the fact that responsibly sourced timber is the only building material that markedly reduces the carbon footprint of a building. The energy expended in timber production is much lower than other traditionally used building materials. 

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a cinematic masterpiece that goes beyond mere entertainment.

Its artful escapism, visual aesthetics, and architectural backdrops contribute to the film's status as a work of art and design. The film's ability to capture the spirit of rebellion, youth, and creativity continues to resonate with audiences of all generations, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.

Ferris Bueller is most deserving of a high distinction grade for not attending school!