Functionality vs. Emotion in Architecture

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a detailed look at a theoretical discussion about architectural ornaments. Using two published articles, the writer of this paper leads the reader on a journey of exploration about the use of ornaments and the underlying truth and meaning of such a practice.

From the Paper:

"Throughout history buildings have evoked emotion in those who observe them. We see a building and we are touched somewhere at the base of our emotional bank to feel something attached to the use of structure and form when observing the architectural work. A building has several uses from an architectural standpoint. It can be viewed as a piece of functional equipment, which of course speaks to the materials and ornamental use or no use within that design. It can also be viewed, as a work of art and this can be a subjective opinion based on the artistic tastes of the observer and the use of materials and design in the building. Many things including ones past and current life experiences touch the heart, ones reaction to those experiences and ones innate like and dislike of certain forms and functionality."
In an article by Adolf Loos called Ornament and Crime; Loos argues that the use of ornament can actually be traced to symbols of eroticism. Loos discusses the societal belief that a child doing something wrong it should be explored and explained because a child is not yet capable of criminal intent. However, if an adult commits an offensive act that person is a criminal. He explains in his article that the use of ornamental techniques in any form, including architecture actually points to someone using erotic symbols he alludes to the idea that it is a criminal act and the person is a criminal. If he is not a criminal according to the well-known theorist he is most certainly a degenerate. One of the underlying patterns throughout the argument is the fact that numerous uprising have occurred throughout history. Uprisings were most common it seems during times when the use of ornaments were much more prevalent than at the times there were few uprisings. It is another factor used by Loos to indicate the criminal mind of those who believe in and support the use of ornamental design in architecture. In addition to his belief that ornamental design should never be utilized in current and future works of architecture he believes to preserve and restore any historical use of ornaments is the same as preserving trash."

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