Where Form Meets Function

I almost can't think of anything more trendy right now than bicycles. With the likes of Mary Kate Olsen and Agnyess Deyn pedalling around on them, there's really no reason that we can't talk about fashion and bikes in the same breath.

I stumbled across these Bau Bikes the other day and I was completely at a loss for words. They are so visually stunning that they look more like works of art than practical pieces of transportation. I am smitten.

















This is from the "About" section on their site:

The BauBike is inspired by Bauhaus design.
It is constructed around the geometric shape of the square and the equilateral triangle. The design is stripped down to clean lines and raw material.

The open-end piece above the back wheel, offers the possibility to customize the function of the bike to whatever need you may have. The different accessories can be placed in the tube and can easily be changed if needed.

The design follows a set of formal rules, limiting the geometry to straight lines in a pattern of 60 and 90 degree angles in proportions following the principle of the golden section.

By limiting the form with a fixed set of design rules and stepping away from the traditional function-oriented approach to the design process, this project transcends the border between design and art, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the bike as design and as a lifestyle accessory and introducing a much needed playfulness on the bicycle scene.
The BauBike is a bike for the modern urban society where adaptability is a necessity.

Inspiring, non? I especially like that you can custom-build this bike to suit your needs. It's such a neat concept.