Assignment 8

Meyer believed that the purpose of design was to meet a need in society- hence the idea of function times economy. To achieve a balanced society while not wasting the planet’s resources design must be functional, but also should hold aspects of art. Design requires incorporating both science and art to create an object that caters to the needs of society while also being appealing.

The 1920’s were a time where Germany was in economic crisis after the war and standardization and rationalization were required to create housing and sanitation. I believe that these principles still apply globally, as we are constantly facing economic hardships. It is mandatory for designs to be functional, yet attractive and artistic enough to hold interest with the user.  

In a world where we are becoming more and more conscious of the resources used, design is becoming an important aspect of life. As shown in this picture, designers are constantly looking for solutions to everyday problems including energy and fuel. This hydrogen toy car shows a step forward in fuel technology, incorporating science into the design of the car. Despite this model only being a toy car, it still demonstrates the ability to fuel mechanics with hydrogen, without wasting precious fuel resources. However scientific the car is, it is also artistic in the way it curves and the colour scheme that is utilized.

Human beings are emotional creatures. We are attracted to certain characteristics of design that cannot be scientifically justified. So to say that design should be entirely scientific is to ignore the emotional needs of the buyer. Although Meyer believed that the lower classes should be catered to with design, therefore creating basic, standardized objects, I believe that a design can be both scientific and artistic and still stay in a certain budget.

The Bauhaus went through two very different stages. One where they focused on the spirituality of design and I feel that this encompasses emotion. Then the focus moved towards Meyer’s ideals of practicality and function, encompassing Pugin’s ideas of simplicity. However I think design is a balance between the two where we create designs that meet practicality, but also inspiring emotion that creates a more interesting life.


Gangar, Kunal  (2006):  H-Racer: Hydrogen Fueled Cell Car. Retrieved 23/09/2011  from  http://techtickerblog.com/2006/07/27/h-racer-hydrogen-fuel-cell-car/