In the evolution of furniture design in modern Europe, a clear tension emerged between "avant-garde" and "mainstream" approaches. The key distinction lies in how each philosophy uses design as a medium for communication. Avant-garde design doesn't just solve problems or innovate—it aims to express the designer's deeper thoughts and perspectives on the relationship between furniture, users, and society. This makes it more than just functional; it becomes a form of dialogue.
The designs from the Wei School and the mainstream movement often appear very different because the avant-garde places a stronger emphasis on using furniture as a communicative tool. As a result, more design elements are used to convey meaning, creating a richer narrative around the object.
Richard Buchanan once described this kind of communication through design by focusing on its semantic nature. He suggested that any design inherently carries a strong theme, which inevitably sparks a conversation between the user and the object. According to his theory, the theme of a design consists of three core elements: technical rationality, characteristics, and emotion—each playing a crucial role in shaping how the design communicates with its audience.
Technical rationality is the foundation of the design theme, built on an understanding of natural scientific principles, the structure of materials, and the physiological and cultural needs of users. It isn’t just about function; it reflects how the design connects with the people who will ultimately use it. This rational base can be either explicitly or implicitly translated into the preferences and values of potential users.
Characteristics are the most expressive part of a design theme, reflecting the designer’s unique way of interpreting and presenting their work. When characteristics align with and enhance the technical aspects, the design becomes more compelling. In some cases, they can even mask minor technical flaws, making the overall experience more engaging.
Emotion plays a particularly vital role in chair design, as the emotional connection between a person and a chair can come from physical contact, past experiences, or expectations of comfort and function. Many of these emotions stem from personal or collective experiences, such as those from sports or daily routines. This emotional layer makes the design more relatable, reducing the psychological gap between the object and the user, and encouraging them to embrace and use the design in meaningful ways.
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