However, a search in the Oxford English Dictionary provides this result:
Ornament is thus described as a thing or accessory that a) serves no practical purpose and b) is primarily functional. Which one to choose?
I believe I am going to have to create my own definition of Ornament within contemporary practice. My thoughts so far:
An ornament is a complex detail or module that can be repeated or aggregated. It serves a particular purpose in its affect on architectural space (achieved in a variety of ways; precedents will illustrate). Ornaments showcase inherent material properties and also their connection to the construction (method of assembly).
In this video, Lars Spuybroek (of NOX) expresses his position ornament.
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This leaves me with further notions to explore in order to push the boundaries of ornament:
- Ornament as a process (example of subdividing surfaces)
- Could ornament provide an ordering system?
