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  Protomodernism (1897–1959) This week we discussed Protomodernism. Protomodernism introduced early ideas that later developed into modernism. The main idea of this period was that it rejected historical styles and also ornamentation. Instead, they focused on experimenting with new types of forms and materials. Designers during this period began to wonder why buildings and furniture need decoration at all. Instead of copying the past, they embraced industrial production. This period is considered a transition point between older decorative movements and clean, simplistic design movements that came later on. I learned that designers during this period really wanted every decoration to have a purpose. Movements like the Deutscher Werkbund promoted design that could be mass-produced using machines. This is very different from the arts and crafts movement we talked about, which rejected industrialization. Important designers during this period were Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos, whom I wi...

  This week we talked about the Art Nouveau period. This took place early in the 1900s. The definition of art nouveau is “new art,” and it focused on a fresh design style. Designers began to look to nature for inspiration instead of copying past styles. Some popular inspiration included flowers, vines, insects, shells, and other organic forms. Europe at this time was experiencing a lot of peace and financial growth. This allowed for designers to try lots of new experimental things! I found this movement interesting because it is very expressive. I learned that Art Nouveau rejected victorian and historical revival styles. Designers wanted to get away from the heavy ornamentation and lead towards natural designs. Curvy lines called “whiplash” curves became super popular during this movement. Art nouveau designers also used a lot of materials like iron, glass, steel, and terra cotta. They emphasized the idea that the beauty of architecture should come from the building itself, not the...

This week we talked about traditional japanese design. The japanese approach is significantly different than traditional western approach. Instead of focusing on heavy ornamentation and symmetry, japanese design values simplicity and naturalness, along with attentiveness to small details. Japanese design values. The interiors of Japanese design are meant to feel calm and balanced. This design period is definitely my favorite we have studied so far! It's really neat how design can be so quiet but also be very meaningful. One of the things I learned is that wood is used a lot in Japanese architecture. Instead of solid walls, a lot of buildings are constructed with rows of columns and thin moveable panels. The panels are usually made of wood, canvas, paper, or silk to allow light to pass through the space. Interiors can vary depending on the need and be multipurpose due to the moving screens. These are called fusuma. Japanese design is also influenced by zen buddhism. Zen values medit...