Form Follows Function Modernistic Design

Modernism Emerged as a result of the advent of the Industrial Era Reduction of types of process used Designer gradually separated from engineers Goes well with mass production and consumerism ‘Ornament is crime’ ‘Form follows function’ ‘Less is more’

Modernism: Bauhaus (1920s – 1930s) Originated in Germany by Walter Gropius Literally, “House for Building” Advocate combined practical and theoretical education

Modernism: Bauhaus (1920s – 1930s) Strike a balance between practical and aesthetic concerns Seek to exploit the use of new technologies Integrate design theory with the industrial process Take advantage of the possibilities of mass production to achieve a style of design that is both functional and aesthetic

Modernism: Bauhaus (1920s – 1930s) Characterized by straight edges and smooth, slim forms, hygienic freshness, shining steel Economical use of space, material, time and money

Modernism: International Style (1920s – 1970s) Originated in the United States as an American version of Bauhaus Advocate an aesthetic style that applies universally to the whole world

Modernism: International Style (1920s – 1970s) Characterized by concrete, steel, clear glass, geometric forms Stress on machinery beauty Form should express the structure of the design

Manifestation in Hong Kong Synchronous with the development of HK Still a dominant design philosophy IC was bought up in the modernism era

Modernism around us Today we are so overwhelmed by modernistic objects that we hardly notice them

Current Status Fading  Alienation; Boring  Beginning of individualism  Anti-consumerism, conservation  Digital technologies On-going  Combine with spherical and toroidal surfaces  More prominent fillets