What does design do? What is its purpose and does it provide hope for the world? These questions are rather loaded, and I guess it all depends on how the artist utilizes the function of design. The primary function of design, in my opinion, is to communicate and inform an audience through visual stimuli. In many cases, the message the artist tries to convey is emotive; however, a design can be as much informative as it is expressive. Regardless of its main purpose, true design is the practice of freedom of speech and communicates to people on a universal level.
With that being said, I draw a great amount of inspiration from contemporary architecture, particularly the works of Santiago Calatrava. His designs of concrete, metal, and glass architecture take on intricate, organic shapes; yet each project remains polished and sleek. These clean, organic forms create a commentary between the natural environment and a more industrial landscape. To me, this juxtaposition serves as a symbolic and optimistic gesture that the two can co-exist in the future. Furthermore, the complex curvatures and angular compositions that his buildings embody create an awe-inspiring notion that the possibilities of art and architecture are almost limitless. In regards to universality, people from all over the world can experience these public spaces, which are not intended to just one specific culture or demographic.
Here is a link to his site: www.calatrava.com
James, this line of yours really resonates with me "true design is the practice of freedom of speech and communicates to people on a universal level". I think it's a really insightful comment about design in general and speaks volumes about the responsibility we all have as designers in society. The fact that we have the ability to communicate with so many people is a great thing, but also requires that each of us be very careful not to abuse the power we have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with John's comment. The statement you made is very powerful. Unfortunately the practice of freedom of speech and expression is not common to all countries, and should never be taken for granted! It is our duty to push the envelope when needed.
ReplyDeleteI love architectural design, and I agree with your view that design is a means of communication. As such, it relies simply on the basis of expression which itself exists many times for an aesthetic purpose alone.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo, James. And mostly I agree with your point, but a thought: Is design freedom of speech or can it also be in place of freedom of speech in regards to being metaphorical in the sense that the design is saying something but it has to be inferred due to a restriction of speech.
ReplyDeleteHeavy questions indeed. I like how you break design down in a logical sense as something that communicates and informs. Also, I really enjoy seeing your inspiration after having several classes together.
ReplyDeleteThe website you posted was amazing with all of the architectural forms that Calatrava designed. They are all done with great detail and are so intricate. I like seeing art in architecture especially in forms where they serve a function for people, such as being a design for a ballet studio in New York, a museum or a design for an Olympic sports complex in Athens, Greece.
ReplyDeleteDesign seems to be a means of communication or act as one language for all cultures. Architecture design, and really any design, can reach out to people of all nations and backgrounds in a way that verbal communication can't.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment in that design can be communicate with people universally and it can be used as a freedom of speech. I definitely believe that visual design can better communicate an idea in certain situations rather than words, but that is not to say that I don't recognize or appreciate the use of language and its impact on the world.
ReplyDeleteI think that you were in Zack's class when I did a project about Calatrava, so you know I'm a fan too! The NYC Transportation Hub project is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThe primary function of design, in my opinion, is to communicate and inform an audience through visual stimuli. In many cases, the message the artist tries to convey is emotive; however, a design can be as much informative as it is expressive. Regardless of its main purpose, true design is the practice of freedom of speech and communicates to people on a universal level.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin' it. And the link you posted to Calatrava's site. (Though I must confess...I find the navigation of the site to be a bit confusing and non-intuitive; but I love the photos and buildings!)
The buildings are great and so are the photos! I feel that as graphic designers we do have a responsibility to express ourselves through the rights we have and it does communicate to people on a universal level. Well put!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment in that design can be communicate with people universally, which can be used as a freedom of speech. There is a book by Randall P. Bezanson called, Art and Freedom of Speech. It sounds like an interesting book dealing with designs that were brought to court to debate free expression.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shanna. Freedom of speech is a gift. As artists and designers it kind of gives us more the reason to do creating daring pieces.
ReplyDeleteI agree that design is a freedom of speech but sometimes its not helping anyone by listening.
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational. And I've got to agree with the others - you get a nomination for quote of the year.
ReplyDeleteI go to summerfest and look forward to gazing upon this building every year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your overall idea of what design is and what it's potential purpose is.
ReplyDeleteJames, I think you always do a great job at aiming your work towards a universal audience. What a great post- architecture is a great inpiration!
ReplyDeleteThe website has some amazing images. I agree with you when you said "true design is the practice of freedom of speech and communicates to people on a universal level".
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