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Jeffrey Stephenson's Architectural Art Deco Computer Tower

By Ray Hu - August 23, 2013

in Object Culture

We've seen some of Jeffrey Stephenson's sculptural computer creations before—including a questions and answers to his queries about a PC tower project—but he might just have outdone himself with his latest project. Made from 167 pieces of handcut veneer, "Flightline is made from quilted maple, maple burl, mahogany, lacewood and aircraft grade birch plywood."

Some of you may recognize the piece as an homage to the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. "The inspiration for the piece came from the grandson of the monument's designer," writes Stephenson via e-mail. "He sent me the monument photo [below]."

Basically, I've been wanting to do an Art Deco sunburst for some time but it always comes out looking like a Japanese battle flag. I also like to do the Art Deco stylized wing design. I asked my friend (the above designer's grandson and a noted tech journalist) if he had any good ideas for a "wing thingy" He sent me the photo attached. To me it combines the two style elements into a hybrid bird's wing/sunburst. It took me a year to work out the equipment end of the design and put it all together.

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Lorefice

11 years ago

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@Ken J

Another valid point. This is the worst possible position for heatpipes. Totally forgot about them!
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Ken J

11 years ago

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@Lorefice

Disregarding airflow, the orientation should be flipped for the heat pipes. They are much less efficient with the cold reservoir below the heat reservoir.

I love Art Deco design! This case nicely captures some defining elements that I love most about the style.
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StNick

11 years ago

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Excellent work! It's just a pity that the back of a computer becomes even uglier with a beautiful casing like this.
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Lorefice

11 years ago

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Succesful design/mod. Art Deco pur sang. What I really don't like: functional design, airflow-wise. It would have been better if the board was upside down in the case. All hot air would exit the case almost immediately. Another win with the motherboard upside down: Port for the DC-conneter would be on the bottom of the case (= neater appearance when plugged in).
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mds chill

11 years ago

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that is the most beautiful computer i have ever seen.
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