Imitation in Design; why does it irritate?

imitation in design

Left: Touch tone telephone with “classic” design. Right: Fake battlements in Spijkenisse, the Netherlands. Photo: RM

Imitation-bricked windows in a new apartment building and a “classic” touch-tone telephone. What do these have in common?  Among designers both can count on reactions ranging from scorn and contempt to irritation and anger. But why?  Continue reading →

Monotony vs. Chaos

Rigid facades

The front: rigid facades: alonging for more law and order?                                                                                                             Photos: RM

According to art historian Wilhelm Worringer the chosen style in art (or architecture) reflects not only the current state of society, but also is the fulfillment of a desire for something that is lacking. The dominant style in art and architecture tells us something about (the future of) a given culture. Continue reading →