Functionality vs. Pure Aesthetics

In design one always has to balance the requirements of functionality with the demands of aesthetics. We often assume that nature is somehow “streamlined” such that structures are built in the most efficient way possible. The passion flower is one of the more obvious examples where this is not the case. The complicated and beautiful structure of the stamen and other organs seems to exist purely for the purpose of being beautiful and unique, while not impeding the ability of the flower to reproduce. Assuming that humans have a natural tendency for aesthetics, what rules do we follow in order to design mechanical parts to be functional as well as beautiful?

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~ by madalynb on September 23, 2009.

Posted in Design

2 Responses to “Functionality vs. Pure Aesthetics”

Beautiful!

Julian said this on September 26, 2009 at 3:05 am | Reply
One proposal:

Thou shalt include beauty as a criterion of functionality.Thou shalt not allow beauty to interfere fatally with other elements of functionality.

Alternate proposal:

Thou shalt create an aesthetic account of functionality.

Lue-Yee Tsang said this on December 23, 2009 at 1:51 am | Reply