The Nature and Aesthetics of Design

by David Pye

This is David Pye's classic book on the theory of design. In it, he explores the many facets of good design, including the relationship of aesthetics with function.

Genres: Design, Art, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Architecture, Woodwork, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[Carl Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treatise on the essential nature of design as a human activity, its relation to art, science, technics, form, function, aesthetics, and worksmanship. This is one of those books that is not very directly practical--in other words not a very modern book. I love books like that. Pye was a professor of furniture design at the British Royal College of Art. His discussion is wide-ranging and useful only in that deep sense of utility that comes from a thorough understanding rather than in the modern sense of "how to." What I mean to say is that it is the best kind of useful.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap. I honestly thought he had said everything ever worth saying, in "The Nature and Art of Workmanship," but no.

This is a new universe. I have to read it again.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same comments as for The Nature And Art Of Workmanship

[Bob Shadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful discussion of design...