Thursday, July 29, 2010

Decorated Construction: The Forbidden City


In Owen Jones The Grammar of Ornament he is trying to convey the idea that something should be built then decorated and not built to be decoration. I believe that what he is trying to convey is correct as an object or thing needs to function in order for it to meet its purpose. When this idea is not used we begin to get objects that fail at their purpose e.g. Meissonier's candelabra of 1734.



Decoration should be used as a way to make something constructed more visually pleasing. For example an office complex built in a city will be constructed with cold, grey, unattractive concrete and iron framing. It is unappealing and ugly. However when decoration in the form of glass panels and paint is used the building can become beautiful and marvelous - but it is still an office building which is fit for its purpose.


An example of decorated construction can more clearly be seen in the likes of Chinese architecture and more specifically the Forbidden City. The buildings which make up the city were built to house and protect the emperors of China and were used in this was for over 500 years. To make the buildings more attractive and to showcase the wealth and might of the imperial family they were decorated with gold dragons and other mythical creatures, as well as intricate hand carvings and statues. Without this decoration the City would be bare and plain. But as the City is an example of decorated construction the buildings in the City are beautiful and marvelous but also served their purpose well.


Image: A roof from a building in the Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sensuous Impulse


The 'sensuous impulse' in design is a way to describe the rich and extravagant form of design that uses curve and asymmetry to create a composition that is unusual but decadent. Inspiration for the curves and sensuality comes from nature in its organic form, which is why when humans were painted in a style like the Rococo of Baroque they are curvaceous and rounded. The sensuous impulse has manifested itself throughout history appearing in various design periods including Art Nouveau. Today it can be seen in the design of high end shoes. The Miu Miu shoes pictured are an example of how it has manifested itself in the current time. The brand is a luxury brand, expensive and flashy, just like the styles the 'sensuous impulse' appears in.
The shoes pictured are Miu Miu wedges and was sourced from their website.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Archgola

(Image is from the archgola website)
This New Zealand company designed and produced a product able to withstand the Kiwi climate which would be used as the roofing on shelters, decks and other similar structures. The reason Archgola is an important example of design is because the plastic it has produced blocks UV rays. However the plastic is transparent meaning that the light and heat from the sun still passes through. This new design in plastic has meant that not only does Archgola protect from obvious enviromental hazards such as rain and gale force winds but also from unseen hazards UV rays associated with a changing global enviroment. This is why many educational institues like my old primary school use it on their shelters and deck rooves. Archgola is also used for residential purposes and even commercially.