Do you agree or disagree with the position that design is a result of “function x economy”? Do you think design today an ‘art’ or a ‘science’? should it be one or the other, or can it be both?

Marcel Breuer, B32 for Thonet, Dessau, 1928

I believe that design is a blend of both science and art. Without one or the other, the design becomes more on the principles of science, where it is more form and user interactions. Whereas on the principles of design, is based on the interface of the object not the overall use and user purpose. “A balance between the universal and the individual”¹

I also disagree with Meyer and his argument of design being a product of ‘function x economy’ aligning design with scientific model driven by new technologies and manufacturing potential. My thoughts about this subject is that they may include these factors but don’t rely the basis of these alone, or at all. To neglect one from the other could end in drastic designs which have failed throughout these centuries. For example I believe design today is a large part

 usage of science and technologies, this is portrayed through the development and modern designs of chairs in the industrial industry over the centuries.

Chairs have a function and a use for user interaction, which needs scientific reasoning, such as physical strength for the weight, and orthopaedic physicality’s. Also is the construction of the chairs design itself.

¹Raizman, D. (2004). The First Machine Age in Europe, in History of Modern Design (pp. 166-191) New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc.

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