Skip to main content

Models and Ideology in Design

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Model-Based Reasoning in Science and Technology

Part of the book series: Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics ((SAPERE,volume 8))

  • 2083 Accesses

Abstract

Research on model-based reasoning in technology tends to focus on the informational role of models. That is, it concentrates on the use of models as a source of information about how to solve a given design problem. However, besides their informational role, models can also serve an ideological role. That is, models can provide affirmation of the moral correctness of a design program. In this article, the role of models within three design programs is examined. These programs are Gothic Revivalism, Modernist architecture, and industrial design in the early twentieth Century. In each case, the ideology of the program is sketched and the role of models within them is discussed. Through this exercise, we see that models for design are selected not only for their help in solving design problems but also for their service in reflecting and reinforcing the worldview of the designer.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Tweney, D: iPhone’s design tribute to a 1977 Braun calculator. Accessed 2011; 5-Dec. from Wired: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2007/07/iphones-design/ (20;July)

  2. Isaacson, W.: Steve Jobs. Simon and Schuster, New York (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Aldrich, M.: Gothic sensibility: the early years of the Gothic Revival. In: Atterbury P. (ed.) A. W. N. Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival. (pp. 13–30). Yale Univeristy Press, New Haven (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Saint, A.: Pugin’s architecture in context. In: Atterbury, P. (ed.) A. W. N. Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival, pp. 79–102. Yale University Press, New Haven (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Hill, R.: Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin: a biographical sketch. In: Atterbury P. (ed.), A. W. N. Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival, pp. 31–44. Yale University Press, New Haven (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Meara, D.: The Catholic context. In: Atterbury, P. (ed.) A. W. N. Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival, pp. 45–62. Yale University Press, New Haven (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Corbusier, L.: Vers une architecture. Vincent, Fréal & Cie, Paris (1923)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Curtis, W.J.: Le Corbusier: ideas and forms. Phaidon, Oxford (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Rybczynski, W: High hopes. In: Rybczynski, W. (ed.) City life: urban expectations in a new world, pp. 155–172. Scribner, New York (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Loewy, R.: Never leave well enough alone. Simon and Shuster, New York (1951)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Barmak, S: A pioneer of user-friendly. Accessed 2011; 5-Dec. from Toronto Star: http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/Ideas/article/238172 (2007; 15-July)

  12. Slade, G.: Make to break: technology and obsolesence in America. Harvard University Press, Cambridge (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gibson, W.: The Gernsback continuum. In: Carr T. (ed.) Universe 11 Garden City, pp. 81–90. Doubleday & Company, NY (1981)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Wells, H. G. (Writer), & Menzies, W. C. (Director): Things to come [Motion Picture]. United Artists (1936)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cameron Shelley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Shelley, C. (2014). Models and Ideology in Design. In: Magnani, L. (eds) Model-Based Reasoning in Science and Technology. Studies in Applied Philosophy, Epistemology and Rational Ethics, vol 8. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37428-9_33

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics