Assignment 3: Beauty + Utility

 By saying that "construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed", Owen Jones is implying that the functions of objects, architecture and images should be the central aspect of the design. He believed that the design should not be basing the functions around aesthetic beauty, as this hinders the "true principles" of design, creating an illusional and impractical perspective. In the context of mass industrialisation, with social and economic changes, Jones saw the influence of indulgent design and expressed the importance of using design that was honest to what society needed at the time. During the industrialisation of the UK in the 19th Century, society needed functional, rather than frivolous and wasteful, design.

Resource for image: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/2000.46


This textile design by Owen Jones, "Italian" c. 1873, is a prime example of what was considered more "construction decorated" than "decoration constructed". The wallpaper has a two dimensional design that uses abstract and repetitive organic patterns, as opposed to illusionistic images that made walls appear scenic rather than flat. The use of organic visuals was part of the "true principles" that represented "construction decorated", as nature was considered an example of honest design, which I believe is functional and beautiful, and not overtly embellished.

Assignment 2: The Continuing Curve

In the continuum that swings between the aesthetically pleasing curve and the functional line, the iPod is an iconic example today’s "curvy" aesthetic design. Although its sleek design does not reflect the traditionally embellished styles of pleasurable design, the principles of the curve still exist. As technology becomes digital, with inherently detailed computing functions, the nature of form vs. function has been reversed. Apple presents the user of digital technology with simple user-friendly forms. Similarly, during the Art Nouveau period, inherently simple furniture is changed for pleasure, with organically detailed embellishments and curves. While one is embellished and the other is minimalist, they both play on the sensuous impulse. Art Nouveau changes the straight components of table top and table legs, providing pleasure for the household, while Apple takes away the relatively complex functions of digital technology to make it pleasurably usable.

 The physical curve remains an subtle yet intrinsic part of this sensuous design as the aesthetics of the iPods' shapes are often streamline rather than rigid, or with molten-like edges. The click wheel of the iPod is a celebration of the sensuous impulse, allowing users to control by rotational touch rather than straight clicking. Also, more technological designs are incorporating touch screen, due to the appeal of physical interaction with the screen and the play on the sensuous impulse.

 So as the pace of living is getting faster, and technology shifts to become more digital and portable, the curving and sensuous design aesthetically changes from being embellished to minimalist and streamline.

DSDN171: assignment 1

 We are becoming more aware of the human impact on natural resources, and in aid of this Puma has released a Glow-in-the-Dark bicycle. By using solar energy, the bicycle helps reduce energy consumption. Also, the night cyclist’s visibility and therefore safety is increased. The design of this bicycle is beneficial to the user and the earth, and has a novel visual appeal.