Nathalie Dagmang 2010 24702 BFA Sculpture Final reflection paper: Design Theory Design is a field that deals

s with both form and function. It usually takes into consideration the aesthetic qualities of the product while contributing to the ergonomics, efficiency, and practicality of its usage. However, the essence of the field of Design and, consequently, the status of the designer has changed throughout history under social, political and economic conditions. For example, early design movements such as the Arts and Crafts movement reconstructed the concept of design by changing the status of the craftsman from a mere worker mechanically creating products without considering its physical appearance, to a professional, displaying his/her skills and techniques through the intricate designs that he/she makes for everyday objects. The school of Bauhaus, on the other hand, embraced the industrial developments and made use of technology to improve the mass production of functional objects while incorporating the aesthetics of Academic Art at that time. At the time of political turmoil in Britain, a youth rebellion rose, inspired by the avant-garde music that started to take center stage in the country. The Punk design was anti-design, like how Dada art was anti-art in nature. Design, as it changes throughout history, has yo-yoed back and forth to its initial function. Design and anti-Design movements continue to compete for dominance in the lifestyle of mankind, as class and political contradictions occur in the society that surrounds the designer and the consumers. The artist/designer is not just a skilled worker, but a social and political activist in his/her field. The definition of Design in each period has become a reaction to their predecessors, or to those who seem to take control of the arts.

2) The specific topic that I really liked in Design theory was that of Scandinavian design. I couldnt think of one specific Scandinavian designer who I admire the most, because what I admire about them is their actual philosophy in design. I like how they dont just create designs that would be visually appealing to the buyers, but designs that the buyers would need, and would be most helpful in enhancing their lifestyles. These designs, therefore, are mostly needs-based. I also liked how they tried to democratize good designs and make it very accessible even to the masses. They used materials that are efficient to use, and at the same time, affordable and easy to mass produce. They also considered how a large chunk of the population lived in socialized housings that require furniture that would not take much space such as stackable and foldable furniture.