171- blog assignment 3

I think that when Jones wrote “Construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed.” He was saying that it is fine to decorate an object as long as the decorations do not distract it from its original intention, but if an object is more about its decoration than its useful intention it is bad design.

I agree with what Jones has to say. In our modern day when we find something that is more tacky ornament than useful object, it falls into the category of ‘decoration constructed’. For example, this lamp that has a casting of an elk as its base. There is no reason why an elk is or should be associated with giving light, so not only is it ‘decoration constructed but it also has a number of the false principals according to A.W.N Pugin. It imitates nature and it is an inappropriate decoration of function.

171- blog assignment 2

I think the continuing curve is ever present in the design of cars historically and today, and to be more specific in the design of super cars. However I find that this area of design has an interesting relationship to the continuing curve. Looking at the super cars of today, minus a few mavericks, they are obviously at the Feminine, rococo inspired end of the curve. Their bodies are long, low, flowing and curvaceous. Is this a result of sensuous impulse? Well that’s where things get interesting. In a big way, yes, they are very much sensuous and seductive in their design. But it would be foolish to think that the modern design is purely for aesthetics, these cars also serve the purpose of going fast and to do this they have to be aerodynamic. So is this modern shape due to aerodynamics or aesthetics? Which leads to the question of if the line is beginning to blur between the yin and the yang, will super cars never return to the other, less aerodynamic, end of the curve? Does the continuing curve ever meet a point where it can’t change anymore because the need for practicality overrides the need for aesthetics?

171- blog assignment 1

I believe the Martin Jetpack  is a very important example of design because it is leading the way in its area, being the first practical devise of its kind. It’s also New Zealand made, so will help put this country on the map in the design world.