Field Journal 5: Bherens' Philosophy

      During the reading for this week I found that I was most interested in German artist, architect, and designer, Peter Behrens and his idea of New Objectivity. His many contributions to designs of the twentieth century have an impact on the way society and companies function today. The book states that “German art critics of the period were interested in the relationship of art and design forms to social, technical, and cultural conditions”. When Behrens joined the Deutsche Werkbund which promoted the blending of art and technology as it recognized the value of machines and “advocated design as a way to give form and meaning to all machine made things”, the reading got me thinking about Industrial Design and how people employed in that field constantly strive to manufacture quality goods while considering form and function. Behrens’ synthesized philosophy of neoclassicism and Sachlichkeit to achieve Gesamtkultur, or “a new universal culture existing in a totally reformed man-made environment”, is still practiced and is evident today.

Source: Meggs, Phillip B. and Purvis, Alston W. Meggs’ History of Graphic Design 4th ed. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006

What are some modern day examples which demonstrate Bherens’ philosophy?
    
       After reading that statement, I was reminded of the time I went to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco during the summer where I saw the roof of the rainforest exhibit. Unlike just any protective roof, ‘The Living Roof’ is a living part of the exhibit and regulates the temperature of the rainforest exhibit beneath it while capturing the sunlight it needs. The roof is also shaped like a dome to accommodate the irrigation system and great variety of plants which it houses. In these ways, the roof’s form and function serve very deliberate purposes. 

Link: The Living Roof

      Like the AEG arc lamps Behrens designed which are a testament to the successful meshing graceful form and utilitarian function, many of the devices and products of today demonstrate this convenient quality. Products like those seen on television such as the Closet Hanger Cascader and Dyson Air Multiplier are just some examples.


Link: Closet Cascader
Link: Dyson Fans

What should we expect from the future with respect to Bherens’ philosophy?

       As we move into the future, it will be up to people like innovative industrial designers to come up with revolutionary ideas for products which are better for the environment yet which still serve the same function, and perhaps more effectively.