Design and Truth

摘要: "If good design tells the truth," writes Robert Grudin in this path-breaking book on esthetics and authority, "poor a lie, lie usually related ...to getting or abusing of power." From ornate cathedrals Renaissance Europe to much-maligned Ford Edsel late 1950s, all products human communicate much more than their mere intended functions. Design holds both psychological moral power over us, these forces may be manipulated, however subtly, surprising effect. In an argument that touches upon subjects as seemingly unrelated Japanese tea ceremony, Italian mannerist painting, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello plantation, turns his attention role our daily lives, focusing especially how political economic powers impress themselves us through built environment. Although architects designers will find valuable insights here, Grudin's audience is not exclusively trained expert but those who use designs live within them every day.