Decorated Construction

“Construction should be decorated. Decoration should never be purposely constructed.”

Jones meant that objects should be created for their functions and then enhanced. Objects should not be created with decoration in mind first.

I agree with Jones that designers should first produce with the intended purpose of the object or building before beautifying is brought into the equation. With this in mind an objects true role should be recognisable as soon as it is glanced at, so not to overcomplicate the object.

Today examples of ‘decorated construction’ are numerous, what with novelty items and new technologies advancing daily. Following principles such as Jones’ have lead us to being able to fashion ‘decoration constructed’ whilst still retaining its functionality as well as a sense of beauty. However there are still some instances of ‘decoration construction’ which are worthy of critique. This sumo-wrestler table is a prime example as its beauty in form as well in function was lost in the very idea.

The sensuous impulse in design is and always will be the attraction and manipulation designers manage to inflict their consumers and admirers with. While many say they are drawn to a particular painting or building because of how it looks, the real reason they show interest is the ugly truth that society, at any time period controls our consumer radar. One might even go so far as to divulge that design is the creation of the consumer. This is clearly the case with many paintings and buildings in the classical periods of design. These were eras of strictness and rationality where society and therefore consumers were looking for designs which were academic and straight. Jacques Louis David’s painting, "The Oath of the Horatii" is a clear example of the period as the style, issues and even the way it was painted are clearly reflected in a serious and logical way.

The Suspension Bridge

The first designs for a bridge resembling the modern suspension bridge were released by Fausto Veranzio in 1595 in his book “Machinae Novae”. However the first suspension bridge which was actually developed and built was over 200 years later by a man named James Finley. Finley's bridge was widely publicised and the design for the suspension bridge went under rapid development. The suspension bridge represented an advancement in technology after being recognised as the bridge that could span further than any before it, making it a cheaper and more efficient way of travel and moving goods. Today suspension bridge's are used all over the world the longest being the Akashi Kaikyō which runs for just under two kilometers.