US3: modernism continued | decoration introduced | new materials, same precedents

BP14: inspiration

iar 221-02 extra credit [is design all a matter of opinion?]

Is design simply a matter of opinion? Or are there other factors that help define what is good design? Consider interior design. Consider interior architecture. Does one need a formal education in order to be considered a good, qualified work? I think it depends on the individual’s situation. Stories of people who have built themselves into something and have grown into success on their own are inspiring, intriguing even, but are they enough to separate themselves from those with credentials? Or is experience a more important factor to differentiate themselves? I personally think that experience and credentials go hand in hand. As you gain experience, whether it is on your own or through education, the amount of credit you can then grant yourself increases as well. Experience is essential in design, and a good way to gain a great amount of experience is by building your credentials through education. I believe it is commendable to be successful entirely on your own, but ultimately I feel that education is the best preparation for the industry. You are critiqued by a variety of people, giving you the opportunity to design for different styles. You also are given the opportunity to build up your portfolio when you go to school. As far as media in relation to design, I feel that the media presents a surfaced view of what design, especially interior design, truly is. Shows such as Design Star give society this idea that anyone can be a designer. They design with affordability as a main goal, as opposed to firmness and delight. This leads me back to my opening question, is design simply a matter of opinion? If the audience who is exposed to design in the media enjoy it, and learn simple ways of improving their home, is it really a crime to us? I feel as though those who are intrigued by design in the way that we are who go to school for it cannot judge those shows necessarily, but it really is a matter of opinion.

BP13: flight through form

RR13: Notice

RR12: expression through curvilinear form

BP12: good design for all [the green bean]

US2: it's all about the rules!

RR11: principles of architectural design, beaux arts style

BP11: simply modern

For spring break, I went to Myrtle Beach for three days and went on many adventures by simply walking around and taking in as much as I could. It was a nice break from studio, but I couldn't help but notice architecture around me. But it wasn't the buildings necessarily that stood out, but a simple pathway that ran parallel with the road. The path itself was very curvilinear and symmetrically balanced, but was interrupted by triangular forms throughout. It was very intriguing, this whimsical fluid path interrupted at certain sections with triangular forms. Most people would normally notice the fabric overhangs in the forms of triangles. The angles were very subtle, but still remained in contrast of the fluid pathway. There were other interruptions, however, that would typically go unnoticed, such as subtle angles in the benches, or structural wood angled in support for surrounding palm trees.

I think an interesting aspect in any design, whether it be in architecture or art, is contrast. Contrast through form, material, color, context, content...anything! It's a very appealing part of design that makes the viewer question the purpose behind it, which, I feel, is an extremely important consideration in design. Contrast has been constant in architecture for a while, but I think the subtle, very minimal approach is a fairly modern way of designing, especially when designing angled structures or forms. A simple way of catching the viewer's eye, a simple way of modern architecture.