self-reflection

1. As with all history it is imperative to know where we, as a society, have been to know where we will go. This is the case with design as well. It is imperative, as designers, that we look at design from the past to know we design in the future will lead. This course has changed the way in which I view design, as central to humanity. As humans we must be aware of the built environment that surrounds us and aware of the ways in which that built environment came to being, through the knowledge of history and theory that the particular designer brought with them to the design.



2. One building that we have discussed in class that links forward to design practice today is that of the Crystal Palace, in England. This structure was designed to follow the function of its use as an exhibition hall. This can be linked to today in that many buildings, the function rather than form are the first thoughts that come to be about a structure. Also there was a concern about the environment, the structure goes over the elm trees that were on the land. Today many buildings and designers take into consideration the environment that exists in and around the building site.



3. As designers we must always embrace the past that came before and also be innovative in the present. We do this by being knowledgeable about design from the past, and applying that knowledge to present circumstances. As well as applying knowledge about the past we must also be innovative in the ways in which we apply the knowledge. This can be done by creating a perspective that does not simply embrace the past but proactively uses past knowledge to improve upon the present. By looking at what was successful and not successful in the past we are able to apply this knowledge and use it, or be innovative and transform concepts to work today.


4.Television in the 1950’s and 1960’s was very influential on the culture of the time. The ideas and concepts that were portrayed on television were brought into the home. This can be seen in today’s society still through the television. Design and culture are streamed through the television at any given time that it is one, whether through programming or commercials. The cultural “norm” is pushed though the programming and into the home. In the 50’s and 60’s different “norms” were accepted such as family values and ways of advertising, that are far different from today, but the concept of these ideas coming to the people through the television are the same.