THE INVISABLE SHADES OF DISORDER

The unfolding of ‘Design’ is inextricably linked to the march of science. The emergence of science, technology and design as dominant forces that shaped the twenty-first century zeitgeist gave humankind the illusion of greater control over their destinies. However, the continuation of war, globalisation of terror, the threats to the environment, does not bear out the promise of a scientific utopia.

Design, cannot be viewed in isolation from science and technology and its avowed goal of creating products, services and experiences that are usable, interactive and friendly, remains a declaration devoid of essences, if one examines the human condition at the turn of the century.

Science made external reality (and visible chaos) the object of enquiry; and design has helped create products, environments and experiences that are sensible and sensuous but has failed to grapple with the invisible chaos of the human spirit. The triumph over materiality has brought prosperity but not peace.

If one examines the relationship between science (and design) and nature, it has been one of uneasy admiration. In contrast the relationship between art and nature has been one where the ‘imperfect’ is as revered as the ‘perfect.’ Such a harmonious togetherness dissolves the duality that stems from objectifying experience – a tendency that became manifest with the coming of the age of ‘enlightenment’.

Design must transition from its preoccupation with chaos that is visible and grapple with the invisible shades of disorder in order to become relevant for the emerging future that awaits us. Nature can indeed be ‘disastrous’ but perhaps such a view is an outcome of a journey that now needs to re-examine its own basis.

Selected references:
Subramanyam K.G., The Living Tradition, Seagull Books, Calcutta, 1987
Trungpa Chogyam, Dharma Art, Shambala Publications, 1996
Ghosh Sri Aurobindo, War and Self Determination, SABDA, Pondicherry
Eco Umberto, McEwen Alastair,  History of Beauty, Rizzoli, 2004
Balakian Anna, Surrealism: The Road to the Absolute, George Allen and Unwin, London, 1972
Campbell Joseph, Moyers Bill, The Power of Myth, Anchor, 1991