Weekly assignment 3 - Beauty + Utillity

In “The Grammar of Ornament” by Owen Jones, Jones states that “Constructions should be decorated, decoration should never purposely constructed”.  This refers and shows Jones belief to Pugin’s principle, A.W.N(1812~1852).

In the early and mid 19^th century, there was a great advancement in industry and mass production. Low cost of goods and mass productions helped to some of, which have been once considered as “low class” in society, to afford and to live more luxuriously and mimic the upper class through designs. This meant that hierarchy in society, in which the rich stood well above poor, has been now vanished and new style of design had to emerge solve to this problem. So came of design reformers such as Pugin and Jones.

The quote stated by Jones means that inappropriate decorations should not be considered before the function itself. Thus, meaning that rather than trying force a beauty into a structure, function of it should come first, and then beauty will occur naturally.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/madhouseof5/art/5618039-lichfield-cathedral

This belief is shown in the example of Lichfield Cathedral, England. Its complex ribbed and high vaulted bone subordinates support the weight of the stone columns and arches. No unnecessary ornaments are built separately but rather designed into its structure.

Personally, I agree with Jones with many aspects, in the points made that 'embellishment of structure should not overwhelm the initial intention of the function of design' –just that. However, I think that the idea of trying to set exact narrow rules in which all designs must abide is incorrect. Yes, expressions added to designs must not overwhelm its function but it also does not mean that unnecessary expressions in ornaments can never exist. I believe that Jones’ idea strictly limits the potential of how much design can evolve in the future and not only that, designers would not be able to push design boundaries in which to express themselves in their designs. On top of all, these set of rules are like taking away a designer’s creativity and taste.

Weekly assignment 2

Sensuous Impulse in design is a way to describe the extravagant focus in details that uses curvature and asymmetry. It is mostly  based on our aesthetical tastes, sometimes even sacrificing its functionality in order to achieve it. From this, I believe sensuous impulse is more of an art rather than design. 

In 17^th century, form over function took over the art world and the Rococo period came by. Function was not taken seriously as stability in economics and political peace meant no need for function. Soon after Rococo, Art Nouveau rose and introduced the importance of more function in designs which led to post-modernism in later period.

 

The above image is an example of modern design where sensual impulse manifested today. Wiggle chair, designed by Frank Gehry, shows the sinuous S-curve and asymmetry, stating the result of the history; sensuous impulse. It barely has function but more of an approach to aesthetics.

Do I believe this is a result of the “sensuous impulse”? My answer is yes. I believe that sensuous impulse will always exist. I believe the need for satisfying our aesthetical tastes are as important as the function in design. I think what defines it changes from time to time, of what trend, and of which place.

Weekly assignment 1

Paper pins were invented by Norwegian. J. Vaaler. Today, paper pins are known as one of the most successful mass producing designs in the history, or maybe it had even introduced the name “mass production” to design industry. Elastic and strong designs of the pins hold papers strong and effectively. Pin designs show even simple designs can be effective.