We recently discovered the book Discovering Design, edited by Richard Buchanan and Victor Margolin, and found it to be quite an interesting read. The book is a collection of essays written by scholars in the fields of sociology, philosophy and psychology, among others, in an attempt to examine the value and place that design has in our world. One of the more interesting passages in the book was in essay by Richard Buchanan...
Discovering Design
In the essay "Rhetoric, Humanism, and Design", Buchanan writes:
The origins of design are usually traced to one of only four beginnings. Some argue that design began in the twentieth century with the formation of new disciplines of design thinking. Others argue that design began in the early days of the Industrial Revolution with the transformation of the instruments of production and the social conditions of work. Still other argue that design began in the prehistoric period with the creation of images and objects by primitive human beings. And, finally, some argue that design began with the creation of the universe, the first act of God, who represents the ideal model of a creator which all human designers, knowingly or unknowingly, strive to imitate.
What do you think? What's your take on the origins of design? Why do we need it in our lives?
Comments (3)
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I think people began to think more about design when the creature needs were more easily met. People could take the time to use their imaginations. Also, when specializations began, for example woodworkers, blacksmiths, etc. That is my humble opinion anyway.
view RedMaiko's profile
I agree w/ Maiko.
Those that had their creature needs catered to such as royalty, the religious elite and the very wealthy were quite design-conscious thousands of years ago (think Ancient Greece and the Egyptians), whereas the peasants and common folk of the time obviously did not have as much luxury of choice - and therefore thought little of interior design or fashion outside of what they helped to create or maintain for the elite.
view bepsf's profile
You're talking about Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs where biological needs dominate and one cannot ascend the pyramid towards self-actualization until each lower tier has been satisfied. It's hard to invest a lot of energy in appreciating the Barcelona chair and Noguchi table when you're scraping for basic needs. Design at this level is by necessity left to those whose more basic needs have already been met.
view quiltmaster's profile