Design generally, is an embodiment of art and science. While art is expressive, design transcends this idea by prioritizing functionality and resource utilization. Hence, art is subjective while design, particularly architecture, cannot be. There has to be an intention and utility.
When Louis H Sullivan, influenced by Victor Papanek, famously quoted “Form follows Function”, it became the central idea of architectural modernism. However, even before this statement, architecture has long been rooted in functionality. In the 18th and 19th centuries, inventive architects and designers experimented with the converse concept of “Function follows Form”, breaking the idea that form should be determined based on function. While the 20th-century designers embraced minimalism claiming that “less is more” with their tasteless masonry or glazed boxes, postmodernists like Robert Venturi were prompted to counter with “less is a bore”. This perspective freed architects from strictly adhering to functionality, but primarily through superficial ornamentations.
Despite these ideological shifts, the relationship between form and function remains integral to design. Through all the different theory evolutions and perspective-sharing, functionality remained the fundamental determinant of design.
Aesthetics and Functionality in Interior Design
The field of interior design is no different. While interiors are subjectively designed based on personal preferences, design theories have to be followed along with functionality. The definition of “function’ too has expanded to fulfilling psychological, social, and symbolic needs. Especially in interior design, where the perception of colors and textures stimulates our senses pretty much. To put it in other words, the aesthetics of a room affects our psychology. Hence, the essence of interior design has always been about striking the right balance between beauty and purpose. While aesthetic design focuses on visual appeal and evoking emotions, functional design prioritizes practicality and places the needs of the user in the forefront.
The Age of Aesthetics
Recently there has been a clear shift in consumer preferences, with a major inclination towards visually appealing or aesthetic and harmoniously designed spaces. This trend is evident in all spheres of design- from architecture and interior design to the design of digital interfaces. A look at all the latest digital product launches confirms this.
The rise of social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram has played a huge role in this shift. Pinterest provides inspiration; so does Instagram, motivating people to make their spaces ‘Instagrammable’. Recent trends in interior design can also be found on Pinterest. For example, there was a ‘Boho’ interior trend that lasted for some time. Boho interiors, wall art, decorative pieces- everything was equivalent to ‘Pinterest aesthetic’ at the time. The style evolved to include influences from all over the globe, from Moroccan floor tiles to minimalist modern Boho inspired by Scandinavian influences.
Presently the trending style is ‘Japandi’- a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian interior styles- both exuding elegance.
Good aesthetics create a sense of comfort and well-being, elevating the living experience. Also, the aesthetic choices of a person narrate something about them- it is a reflection of themselves- their style and taste, which plays a crucial part in turning a house into a home. Additionally, it plays a significant role in creating a positive first impression. Ultimately, well-designed spaces can inspire creativity and productivity and aid in relaxation and contemplation.
Is Functionality Being Forgotten?
While spaces everywhere strive to be aesthetic, it does raise a concern about the potential compromise on functionality. A functional home is comfortable and convenient to live in, as it minimizes unnecessary chaos and provides maximum efficiency. Moreover, it is worth the money spent as functional design also ensures the efficient utilization of every inch of the space.
The pursuit of purely aesthetic spaces can sometimes come at the cost of functionality. It can be more profound in product design- a gorgeous, sculptural chair may look stunning in a photo but not comfortable to lounge in. Similarly, a minimalist kitchen may not be enough to accommodate the user’s actual cooking needs, or that sleek, minimal living room may feel sometimes bland, tasteless, and lack a warm welcome. Following form over function in interior design only works to an extent since it lacks practicality.
However, the real functionality-losing-importance-by-pursuing-aesthetics statement can be held true in the domain of fashion. Many haute couture, red carpet dresses are sculpted by prioritizing visual aesthetics over the wearer’s comfort. While red carpet dresses are designed for donning on just a day, spaces are crafted for long-term occupancy. Therefore, neglecting functionality will eventually have negative consequences for the residents.
Conclusion- Finding the Balance
When aesthetics and functionality work together in perfect harmony, the spaces become a visual delight while perfectly performing their intended function with ease and efficiency. Product designs that seamlessly combine both elements become classics, like the Eames Lounge Chair and the La-Z-Boy recliner, among many others.
To conclude, the notion that aesthetics and functionality in design are opposing forces is false. Aesthetically pleasing spaces need not sacrifice functionality, and vice versa. The key lies in striving for and achieving that fine balance that elevates user experience, making spaces not only visually striking but also purposeful and efficient. The challenge for designers and consumers alike in this dynamic field of design is to appreciate the fusion of form and function by not falling for aesthetics alone and creating a new era of design where functionality and beauty go perfectly hand-in-hand.
References:
K.Lewis, R. (2004, January 24). When Function Follows Form, the Result Can Be Innovative Architecture. Retrieved February 04, 2024, from The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/realestate/2004/01/24/when-function-follows-form-the-result-can-be-innovative-architecture/439a678f-a623-4a09-a592-c6c11c61798d/
Pachiannan, D. (2023, February 07). The Battle of Aesthetics vs Functionality: A Design Dilemma. Retrieved February 04, 2024, from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/battle-aesthetics-vs-functionality-design-dilemma-deepak-pachiannan/
Pathak, N. B. (2023, October 19). Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in Home Architecture. Retrieved February 04, 2024, from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/balancing-aesthetics-functionality-home-architecture-design21/
Images:
- Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles by Frank Gehry, an example of ‘Function follows Form’ _© Lara Swimmer | Esto
- An interior with a minimalist aesthetic, following the famous ‘Less is more’_© salvatoriofficial.com
- A colourful Bohemian (Boho) interior_© Spacejoy/ Unsplash
- A minimal Boho style interior with Scandinavian influences_© brizmaker/ Shutterstock
- An example of a Baroque style leather sofa that goes well with complementing interior style but is not a great place to lounge_© www.sixinch.us
- The Eames Lounge Chair, an icon of American design_© nest.co.uk
