Adolf Loos argued that “The evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from objects of daily use” He believed that for society to become civilized ornament needed to be forgotten/ replaced. In relation to Mies van de Rohe, Barcelona Pavilion, Spain, 1929 (slide 29 in the lecture) I both agree and disagree with Adolf’s argument. I think that without some ornament everything would be plain and boring. I also think that without ornament history, design would not be where it is today. Ornament also gives people a chance to express themselves differently. On the other hand I think that too much ornament can become bad design and as Adolf Loos argued ‘a waste of material and waste of labour’. Mies van de Rohe’s wall (first image below) is a good example of how some subtle ornament within form can create a nice modern design. Another example of how simple ornament/decoration can help materials ‘speak for themselves’ is David Tunbridge’s lamps. His designs are a modern sophisticated way that ornament and materials work together. The materials he uses show the properties they hold through the way he ornaments his designs (as shown in the second image below). Therefore I think that most design does hold ornamental aspects but letting the material speak for itself can create good design. As we are evolving I think that ornament is evolving with us, in the way that as designers we are evolving the way we use ornament in our design. “Less is more” -Mies van de Rohe
The Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van der Rohe, 1929
Floral light by David Trubridge
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