Blog Assignment 3

“Construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed.”

It seems to me that Jones is expressing that the functionality of a design should never be outweighed by the ornamentation. I agree with Jones’ argument to the extent that it is valid when applied to mass production as this ensures that products can be made to fulfil their function. However there are instances where the consumer desires decorative construction, as per the example of the excessively ornate high heels shown in this image. It is obvious that the functionality in this product has been overridden by the aesthetic, which doesn’t conform to the ideals introduced by Jones in the mid 19^th Century. The emphasis on functional and efficient design is ridiculed in Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times, wherein the government official attempts to explain to the little girl that she “mustn’t fancy” in regards to her desires for floral patterns on her carpet(Raizman, 54-55). Excessively ornate, or functional? The debate continues.

Blog Assignment 2

Haute Couture is one of the strongest remnants of the rococo period today, making it a strong example of the continuous curve in contemporary design. The designs themselves are over the top extravagant curves and forms, always stretching the way we think and view design.

Haute Couture is reflective of the social climate of the 18^th Century, particularly in terms of the celebration of excess and heavy inequalities between social classes. To the everyday person Haute Couture is seen as extravagant, inaccessible and ultimately unnecessary – an ideal which parallels the social attitude of the increasingly discontented lower class of the rococo period. However, to the socially elite minority, Haute Couture fashion was representative of high culture to differentiate themselves from the lower class; extravagant and expensive art which enabled the sensuous impulses of wealthy to be expressed. Fuelled by economic prosperity and the transforming social mindset, particularly in terms of a newfound appreciation for the feminine form, Haute Couture was ultimately a result of the sensuous impulse.

Christian Dior Haute Couture Paris, Spring-Summer 2007

DSDN 171 - blog assignment 1

The ballpoint pen was designed in 1938 by Argentinean László Bíró  in order to satisfy the demands of a modern consumerist society. Inexpensive to produce and distribute and seemingly simple in design, the ballpoint pen offered a durable and portable alternative  to the increasingly obsolete fountain pen.