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?
Though it is good to always cross-reference and validate your terminology, as you described already, you really must start to assert and develop not only your own definition but also articulate the situation/problem that precipitates a need for some sort of reassessment. Please clarify this as doing so would better reinforce your developing definition of ornamentation.
ReplyDeleteThe notion that ornament could provide an ordering system and process becomes a function of stylistic aspirations. Whether with Corinthian orders or even Mies' steel details, it is clear that the ornamentation already establishes both a connection to process as well as order in architecture. The statement on ornament and aggregation is neutral but can remain, however the statement:
" Ornaments showcase inherent material properties and also their connection to the construction (method of assembly)." simply reiterates what was already stated and does not offer insights on anything that investigates or challenges existing approaches/thoughts on ornament. Set up the problem condition(s) first and then correlate it against this statement and you'll see that you will likely need more of a position that reiteration.