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Design in the Modern World
By L. Hilliard | DEC.05.07
The ideal design equation takes into consideration the function, appeal and afterlife of the design. |
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Our modern way of life has transformed every aspect of our lives, from where we live to how we travel and dine. The transformation from a primarily rural culture to a sophisticated world culture has elevated consumption to what, in the last several decades, has become an unfortunate pattern of disposable living. In the last few years, however, more and more designers are acknowledging that we must be very careful about how and what we consume as well as how we dispose of it or reuse it.
Today, good design isn't just about how something looks; it is about how to address the way we live and work with each other and the world around us. Good design can create or improve upon something, but truly great modern design should serve several purposes: it should solve a problem, improve upon function or aesthetic and reduce the footprint we leave behind. It isn't just about the beginning or creation of an object; it is also about sustaining the environment and minimizing disposal of products. The ideal design equation takes into consideration the function, appeal and afterlife of the design.
Reducing Conspicuous Consumption
During the Victorian Era, consumables were the measure of a man. The more you owned, the more respected and wealthy you were considered. Living rooms were crammed with furnishings and everything was embellished to within an inch of its life. Sumptuousness was associated not only with the richness of the materials used, but in the excessive use of them. This culture of excess carried right into the mid-twentieth century.
Fortunately, today's designers know that design must take into account not only style and comfort, but the way an object interacts with and fits into the environment around it. The modern world has created modern problems that design has to address – shrinking natural resources, a growing world population, rapidly increasing landfills and toxic waste are all problems that must be addressed through good design. We can't decrease the quantity of what we dispose of if we don't design more intelligently to ensure that products – whether buildings, home furnishings or clothing – last longer, use more organic materials and consume less energy.
Education and understanding are a key aspect of good design for the modern world. Designers have the burden of not only creating objects that minimize the footprint we leave on the natural world, but of educating today's consumers so that they will appreciate the importance of using "green" products.
The additional time and effort put into responsible, earth-friendly products is only viable as long as today's consumers are willing to embrace these designs and use them. Part of this is educating the public – including children – to look at products in a new and unique way. We can't afford to focus solely on the beauty and comfort of the creation – we must also consider the practicality and disposability of the creation once its purpose has been fulfilled.
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Modern Design's New Stewardship
Today's generation of new designers is the first to have grown up with the concept of sustainable design at the forefront of their thinking. Use of renewable resources, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the relationship of man and the natural environment are all central to some of the best designs seen today in everything from home furnishings to office buildings. At its most successful, it isn't an afterthought, but an integral, organic part of the design process.
How do we, as consumers, fit into the picture? By educating ourselves and our children about the importance of sustainable design and using it whenever and wherever possible. It means taking the time to contemplate the economic, social and ecological impact of our choices and choosing wisely. We, as consumers, will guarantee the comfort and survival of future generations by making good design decisions today. Fortunately, today's designers are increasingly vocal about the value and beauty of green design – we don't need to sacrifice comfort or beauty to lessen our impact on the environment.
How can you become a part of the beauty of modern design and its sense of social and economic conscience? Shop with some key concepts in mind:
- Look for transforming or multi-tasking designs that serve more than one function.
- Shop for furnishing and accessories that are sustainable, recycled or recyclable.
- Consider repurposing items you already own.
- Be sure to ask questions about everything from the materials to the finishes used.
- Remember to dispose of the products you are replacing in a responsible fashion – when possible, recycle and donate.
- Less is always more.
- Think organic and natural.
Ensuring our future starts in the present – and each individual must contribute by minimizing his or her impact on the environment. The best of today's modern design helps each of us do just that beautifully.
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| | By L. Hilliard | FOKaL Writer |
| [ DEC.05.07 ] |
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