Trans RINA, Vol 154, Part C1, Intl J Marine Design, Jan - Jun 2012
Figure 1. Elbe SWATH front and side illustration. The natural ratios and sequences related to the golden ratio are marked with dotted lines, i.e. those natural proportions of human scale that fix to the ratio 1.618, i.e. recognition of nature’s maths, evident within the primary and secondary’s prominent geometries [11], [12], as in figure 3.
anomaly, becomes the source of animation for the visualisation of a most beautiful technology.
The hidden crew quarters masked by prismatic cube planar walls and small windows, remain a mystery to the onlooker, black box theory applies here and the high tech primary function would lead one to believe the deck house is
furnished with similarly high functioning
technology and work spaces as the decks. Those functions that are known, i.e.
Figure 2. Elbe at Bremerhaven
Elements that are human scaled are noticeable in the gestalt, the curved corners of the doors and portage appears secure and protecting. Human stasis crafted into the design as a priority, constructed for the quality and safety at sea and noticeably considerate to human fragility in the ocean environment. The overall aesthetic instills confidence in professional crew and onlookers, visualisation of its work in protecting a close knit crew visible in the superstructure.
The bridge geometry balances a strong character in the gestalt, a poignant
focal point. Seemingly protective
oversight of the habitat and group scaled community. The direction of visibility for navigation and control covers over all the parts and is scaled and weighted in balance to the overall vessel envelope.
The invisible SWATH technology might at difficult to understand, yet through
first be realisation and
‘knowledge of function’, its appearance as if running on rails, skimming, floating over the water like a frictionless
©2012: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects the platform for
delivery and buoyancy are portrayed well when at rest and in motion. Those functions that are portrayed to us through motion are nominally reinforced by
the
sculptural hull geometry above the water line and the high level of buoyancy and slight
aftward angle. A
recognised knowledge of primary propulsion whilst on board at speed or in viewing from another vessel, give us an impression of precise and high tech work efficiency, motion in knowledge and of its beautifully engineered technology.
Defined as single purpose, i.e. unified under one
philosophy in the organisational intent, the work boat, or SWATH has several elements within prominently a two part design, 1. Sea keeping, 2. Accommodation. These elements are unified not only by function but also through the connection in geometry and in the overall quality in surface ‘finish’ made via production and professional crafting. This quality of finish, promotes organised and practical
work
projecting its attention to the ‘Organisational aesthetic’, [13].
Eliciting efficient, lean and good design in its form, the Elbe SWATH shows its priority for pilot delivery with no need for additional parts and features in promoting its
horse appearance,
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