Evolution of design?

14 years ago

Longtime lurker...even though I haven't contributed much, I feel like there are so many kindred spirits here that I almost feel like I know you all. :)

I've taken classes in architectural history, art history and interior design. I've always been very curious about the *evolution* of design. Why are we attracted to certain aesthetics and how do they fall out of favor? What makes us reject that which was once beautiful to us? An easy answer for our modern times would be to blame Madison Ave., etc. but it seems that there has existed a *fashionable* lifestyle even in ancient times, long before mass marketing made its way into everyday life.

I guess I'm wondering how we evolved from a survival species into one that could recognize that a certain hairstyle (or outfit, kitchen, etc.) is decidedly dated after 20 years and therefore wildly unattractive. I realize that there are certain design principles that seem to be immutable, i.e., the golden ratio, but perhaps my question really pertains to why we feel something is so *attractive* at one instance in time and then is so *unattractive* and even abhorrent at another period in time. We liked it then, we do we hate it now? Apart from historical influences, do we as a species, have an innate and fixed sense of design and beauty? Or do we have an even greater sense of time passing, a constant echo of our own mortality that pushes us to change and innovate? And is design an unwitting (or unapologetic) bystander to this desire?

I apologize if this discussion has all been posted before. Just looking for other poster's thoughts... :)

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Comments (5)

kjmn
Original Author
14 years ago
We liked it then, *why* do we hate it now? Sorry, typo!
luckygal
14 years ago
You pose interesting questions. I look forward to OP's answers.

Just a few thoughts to bump this up before it falls to page 2... In "ancient times" the wealthy/powerful determined fashion which would be copied by the less wealthy and powerful even without media. It's human nature to want to emulate successful people. Why or how the wealthy made their fashion choices is an interesting thing to think about. I'm sure creative craftspeople came up with new ideas the wealthy adopted just as they do today.

I don't believe that everyone finds "dated" fashion unattractive tho. I like many older styles altho know that "beauty in the eye of the beholder" plays a role. The things I found ugly when they were in style back when are still ugly to me. I admit that my harvest gold kitchen in 1970 is not something I'd do again. At least I had the sense not to choose avocado! I remember many of my choices for our first house were determined by home decor mags.

I suspect it's less "an innate and fixed sense of design and beauty" and more curiosity, creativity, and perhaps boredom that determine our desire for change. If we all had a real sense of design and beauty there would be no ugly innovative ideas which we all know is not true. *rolleyes* ;D Perhaps there is an evolutionary design sense innate in creative people that drives new ideas.

I know learning about design has honed my style altho I still want my environment to be as anti-cookie-cutter as I did 50 years ago.
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patty_cakes
14 years ago
Kjmn, you may find a few answers on this thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: Past thread
patty_cakes
14 years ago
Kjmn, you may find a few answers on this thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: Past thread
palimpsest
14 years ago
I think it often comes down to fickleness and allowing trends to make the decisions.