C11

Page 1: Henry van de Velde and Adolf Loos

Credo: Understanding form and construction of objects through their elemental logic and justifications for existence.
Primary Considerations:
- Adapt and subordinate forms to the essential use of materials.
- Beautification of forms should respect the essence and rights of the object.

Background: Loos, born in 1870 in Brno, died in 1933 in Vienna; influenced by Sullivan's remark about abandoning ornamentation for refined simplicity.
Thesis: Loos argues that the evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from utilitarian objects.
Human Experience:
- Human development mirrors history; a child's sensory impression evolves through various cultural stages.
- Drawing and ornamentation stem from primal, erotic urges; modern expressions of such impulses are considered criminal or degenerate.
Cultural Reflection:
- Society’s attitude toward ornamentation reflects cultural development, with a clear divide between civilized and primitive expressions.
- The Papuan is not seen as a criminal for tattooing—as modern society might view similar acts—but rather a cultural expression.

Loos proposes that ornament is a sign of cultural degeneracy and represents wasted labor and resources.
Modern Discontent:
- People lament the inability to produce new ornaments, viewing themselves plagued by impotence.
Cultural Assessment:
- Each era had its style; our inability to fabricate new ornament is, paradoxically, a hallmark of cultural sophistication.
- The modern age’s lack of ornament signals advancement, akin to a cultural liberation from decoration.

State's Role: Opposition from bureaucrats and state-controlled art seeks to entrench ornamentation as an essential aspect of culture.
Criticism of bureaucratic support for ornamentation; calls it a hindrance to cultural evolution and unnecessary burden on citizens.

Ornamentation correlates with a reduction in economic efficiency and increased costs for consumers and producers alike.
Labor Market:
- Discrepancy in wages for ornamental work versus practical craftsmanship.
- Production of ornamented articles often results in worse quality yet higher prices.
Cultural Evolution as Economic Expansion:
- Loos suggests that if ornamentation were altogether eliminated, hours worked could be halved, increasing efficiency and profits.
- Modern man’s consumption habits reflect a shift toward simplicity and functional design over ornamentation.

Wright’s Philosophy: Integrates structure, furnishings, and environment into one holistic design.
Design Principles:
- Unity of Design: Human dwellings should express the life and character of inhabitants organically.
- Modern architecture transcends mere aggregation of rooms; it must be a unified, expressive work of art.
Cultural Vision: Advocates for a higher ideal of architecture that reflects the synergy between humans and their living environment, far removed from just functionalism.