Whenever we start to think of the definition of design, the thought is never limited to a few words such as this definition, which people normally give – a design is a plan or drawing created before the physical object is made, in order to show the appearance and functional aspect of the future object. Though the definition is clear enough, it does not tell us much about the way the design was carried out, thus it leaves out some important aspects of designing a product or any other object. For a more clearer idea, will transfer ourselves back to prehistoric times, in order to understand design from a historical perspective.
During the prehistory humankind was quite primitive so as their tools and art. Despite this, we are to call the products and illustrations that these men made as a design. If the design was not on the paper, it must have been in their heads! To put it in other words - it all starts from an idea. However, if the prehistoric man had no need for something to cut, the idea of a cutting tool would not even exist.
Religion also played a major role in art and design during prehistory. The Maltese temples are an example of such relationship, one of which is the Chalcolithic (c. 3700 BCE - 3000 BCE) Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum found in Paola. As proposed by archaeologists, the central chambers were used to carry out religious ceremonies, honouring the Gods and particularly the dead. This means that the burial places were designed out of need, a need that evoked due to religious practices. Ancient
Greeks were ones that were also influenced by religion. Like Maltese men during the Temple period (4000 – 2500 BCE), the Greeks were building religious stone temples starting from the 6th century BCE. Their notable characteristic is the use of column rows or colonnades. In a few decades Greeks developed three main column orders - the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. The Doric order has the simplest form among other orders. Its capital is plain and circular, the shaft is fluted. Yet it has no base. These sort of columns look heavy and massive, thus short and quite wide. The Ionic column was also fluted, but it is noticeably higher. The base consisted of a number of graduated rings, the capital must have two volutes, which profile would remind us of a seashell, the volutes flanked the top of the shaft. Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with flutes and bases similar to those of the Ionic column. They had very detailed capitals carved with acanthus leafs. We should also note that these architectural orders developed through time and not at one go.
Greeks were ones that were also influenced by religion. Like Maltese men during the Temple period (4000 – 2500 BCE), the Greeks were building religious stone temples starting from the 6th century BCE. Their notable characteristic is the use of column rows or colonnades. In a few decades Greeks developed three main column orders - the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. The Doric order has the simplest form among other orders. Its capital is plain and circular, the shaft is fluted. Yet it has no base. These sort of columns look heavy and massive, thus short and quite wide. The Ionic column was also fluted, but it is noticeably higher. The base consisted of a number of graduated rings, the capital must have two volutes, which profile would remind us of a seashell, the volutes flanked the top of the shaft. Corinthian columns were the most decorative, with flutes and bases similar to those of the Ionic column. They had very detailed capitals carved with acanthus leafs. We should also note that these architectural orders developed through time and not at one go.
Till this day, the architectural orders of ancient Greece were not forgotten. Even Malta looked back into the history to get inspiration. The use of Ionic columns in more modern times is seen on the Malta Law Courts building in Valletta, thus it is also seen to be used on Mosta Dome columns. The acanthus leaf motif also became an inspiration that lasted centuries till the Art Nouveau moment in the early 20th century.
Till this point we may notice that design, even in its early stages, evolved due to a necessity. Be it the Neolithic period or the period of ancient Greeks design was a means to achieve the need of a society. Since society also holds in its culture and religion, the needs might not only be limited to everyday practices, but also spirituality is important.
References:
Miller, J., 2006. Decorative Arts Style and Design from Classical to Contemporary. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited. p.54.
Milton, R., What is Flint? Museum of the stone Age , [online] (Last updated 26 August 2014).Available at: <http://www.stoneagetools.co.uk/what-is-flint.htm>
Soanes C., Hawker S., (2005). Oxford English Dictionary . 4th ed. Oxford : Oxford University Press. p268-269.
Trump, D.H., 2008. Malta Prehistory and Temples. 3rd ed. Malta: Midsea Books Ltd. p.130-131.