This column first appeared on January 13th, 2015 on Autoblog España.
When writing an opinion column on cars, leading off with a piece on the A-pillar might seem counterintuitive. After all, the A-pillar is easily overlooked and often forgotten in car design criticism. This, however, is precisely why it interests me: I have spent years examining iconic pieces of design, yet I have always found the unremarkable worthy of closer study. I am fascinated by the cornice of a building, the frame of a famous painting, and the violas in a symphony.
I am fascinated by the A-pillar because I have never once said, “What a beautiful A-pillar! I have never seen its shape before!” Why not? Why should an A-Pillar not be dramatic, fascinating, and artful?
I am fascinated by the A-pillar because I have never once said, “What a beautiful A-pillar! I have never seen its shape before!” Why not? Why should an A-Pillar not be dramatic, fascinating, and artful?