Ornament and Crime written by Adolf Loos

Ornamentation in the eyes of Adolf Loos is completely unacceptable. He believes that with the removal of ornamentation with be unison with the evolution of culture. Loos sees the addition of ornamentation as something that not only is a crime by the creators of the ornament but also a hinderance to the public wealth in general. Furthermore, he comments on the unnecessary labor strain that ornament puts on the working-class laborers. It seems that Loos perceives a hidden agenda behind the revival or promotion of ornamentation and believes that civil servants are just a part of this system. He emphasizes that people are stuck in the past and unable to accept the modern age with everything it brings, and that people will appreciate things more void of any ornamentation. Loos’ view on the ornamentation of everyday items as common as a shoe is one of repulsion as it is entirely a waste of materials and time. He views the old method of education as something that produced proper professional craftsmen and the necessity of steering people away from thinking every child is a genius who can express his emotions through the drawing of lines. Ultimately, Loos understands objects designed with ornament as having a finite lifespan that is only as long as the style is popular in society.

‘Leaving Traces’: Anonymity in the Modernist House written by Hilde Heynen

The classic 19th century residences were often very intimate closed courter homes with an abundance of private spaces and intricate interiors. The modernist home strips away these luxuries of privacy and creates an open layout with wide open windows creating a more transparent home. There is also a change the modernist house brings in its absence of warmth. Furthermore, Heynen outlines the absence of ornament throughout modernist homes, such as paintings, extra cushions or mantel centerpieces, but rather the functionalist design that resonates across the house. She ties the idea of the modernist house to a classless society that no longer supports the needs for secluding oneself from one’s neighbor, instead bare, flexible and open homes that put aside material belongings and prioritize the ‘social spirit’. Heynen, however demonstrates the flexibility of the modern house and the need not for it to always restrict lifestyles and behaviors but also for it to accommodate the messiness of everyday life.

Critical Analysis

I was interested in the idea brought by the reading that modernity and the ‘classless’ and cold sobriety it brought has taken away the humanistic side and appeal to our own identities. I believe that modernist structures while useful in functional/utilitarian aspects should not be a standard for everyone as they do not approach the design with personalization and putting the happiness and well-being of the client at the forefront. Loos’ abhorrence of all ornament is rather extreme, and he does not fully understand nor acknowledge the other side. While pure modernist style homes may be flexible in their design, for them to become structures to live in the inhabitants will ultimately change the function and aesthetic of the home to their liking, including the use of ornamentation. A balance in terms of modernist houses and a humanistic approach to design can open up more possibilities for livable structures that appeal to a broader audience rather than boxing in these approaches with lifestyle changes or absence of all ornament.

Application and Interpretation

Light House by Puras Architecture

This modernist house constructed in 2018 by Søren Sarup encapsulates many of the aspects of the modernist house while maintaining its integrity to serve its inhabitants to maximize their well-being and the livability of the space. The house is well integrated into the coastal landscape using locally sourced timber that is weathered and takes is a-frame, sloped design from the surrounding dune environment. The large window facades allow plenty of daylight into the house while still allowing for intimate interior spaces that have some warmth to them. The house has an open and transparent plan while being grounded to the landscape and personalized to the inhabitants needs for a vacation home and a place to decompress. This balance of modern, functional design while still balancing a warm livable space, highlights the ability of modernist houses to be shaped by not only their inhabitants but also by the surrounding landscape leading to a more grounded and human design.

Takeaways

• The luxuries of ornamentation take a toll on society
• Modernity does not appeal to the humanistic design
• Modern homes will be shaped and filled with everyday things regardless of their purpose or intent
• Modernity in architecture alludes to the idea of a classless society