Principles of Design

Instructor: Deborah Ogden

Vitruvius (1st century B.C.E.)Utilitas Firmitas Venustas

Utilitas = usefulness Firmitas = sturdiness Venustas = beauty or aesthetics

Function (Utilitas) A chair isn’t functional unless it can be sat

upon A chair’s function also includes comfort, shape

and size A space designed as a store or a boutique

should be well suited for that use An object or space should meet minimum

requirement, or exceed the minimum

Function Excellent Example

Size and shape of space well suited to purpose Placement and choice of furniture support use Circulation well planned and convenient Good lighting Satisfactory acoustical environment

Unsatisfactory Example Size and shape awkward and inconvenient Placement and choice of furniture inappropriate Awkward circulation patterns Unsatisfactory lighting Excessive noise and distraction

Structure and Durability (Firmitas) A chair may function as a chair but not last for

six months (not durable) A paper cup can be well designed but only last

for one use (suitable for its purpose) Consider maintenance costs, cleaning,

reupholstery Life time cost of use is a factor

Structure and Materials Excellent Example

Choice of materials supports functional performance

Adequate durability and ease of maintenance Construction of good quality Cost of construction appropriate Consideration of safety and environmental

conditions Unsatisfactory Example

Materials unsuitable to intended uses Materials subject to rapid wear and hard to

maintain Construction obviously shoddy Construction excessive in cost Dangerous and hazardous conditions possible

Aesthetics (Venustas) Hard to measure or quantify Our standards of beauty change Consider appropriateness Possible to evaluate in terms of design

principles Sometimes easier to evaluate in a photograph

Aesthetics Excellent Example

Character and atmosphere appropriate to use Time and place of design expressed Character and quality of materials and

construction honestly expressed Design intentions clear and strongly developed

Unsatisfactory Example Unsuitable atmosphere and visual character False or obscure expression of time and place Materials and structure falsified or obscured Design intention vague or confused

Natural Design Design made by plants, animals, geology,

weather, etc.

Vernacular Design Design developed collectively and over time Igloo, yurt, teepee, totem poles, Stonehenge

Technological Design Designed for function rather than aesthetics Also called “machine art” Gears, fire hydrants, motors Does not include technology with product

designers involved (i.e.: modern automobiles or computers)