assignment 8 :)

1. In the Raizman reading this week we learned that Hannes Meyer, the Swiss-born architect appointed director of the Bauhaus in 1928, argued that design is a product of “function x economy”, aligning design with a scientific model driven by new technologies and manufacturing potential. Considering this week’s lecture and readings respond to the following question (approximately 150-300 words, as needed):

Do you agree or disagree with the position that design is a result of “function x economy”? Do you think design today an ‘art’ or a ‘science’? Should it be one or the other, or can it be both?

I believe that design today contains aspects of both art and science in some form, with most designers utilizing the latest technologies within their creative process. Science has created new possibilities within our design world, giving more people the ability to create, and allowing individuals to create new shapes out of interesting and unique materials.

Through science designers have also been able to calculate how to improve the function of an appliance or layout of a room. The method of standardized elements has helped produce objects/rooms of high accessibility, which is in high demand in today’s society. The science of technology is what has greatly increased the production rate of an object as well as the variety in the methods of design.

I also believe that an aura is created and surrounds the new technology that companies are placing within their designs. Largely it is this creation of aura which motivates and influences the targeted individual into purchasing the design.

Furthermore this mash up of science and art is needed by companies within our world today; as new products are compete against one another. Thus this competition leads to research, research about the science behind improving the user friendliness of their design. The design is required to be unique yet be convenient for the user or apply to their desires.

An example of designers creating objects which appeal to a targeted audience this is the eco-friendly water-powered clock. Here you can see the designer has utilized science to help create this device (as shown bellow is two examples). This clock appeals to the environmentally friendly as well as aesthetically appealing.