The Nature & Aesthetics of Design

by David Pye

In this brilliant exposition of the many facets of good design, David Pye investigates the scientific nature of function and its tenuous relationship to form. He explores the priority of economy, physical components, and manufacturing technique; and he clarifies the relative utilitarian and aesthetic roles of design. It establishes a basic theory of design where none existed before. Written in a lucid style and in jargon-free language, it is a healthy correction to critiques of the past century. This is a penetrating, provocative and utterly stimulating book that everyone should read—for design is everywhere.

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

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 1995

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...