Modernist design originated in the field of architecture, so its design form is finally formed, which is most fully manifested in architectural design. On the whole, modernist architectural design adheres to the public-oriented design position, changes traditional and expensive building materials and construction methods, and reduces costs by adopting emerging industrial materials. At the same time, it also changed the basic structure and construction method of the building. By using a large number of prefabricated components and on-site assembly, redundant decoration was completely cancelled. In the exterior design of buildings, simple cubism modeling is often adopted, and the colors are basically white and black; In the design of building structure, many beams and columns are used for support, and the so-called glass curtain wall is adopted. Therefore, the whole building embodies distinct functional principles and becomes a new architectural form of simplicity to the extreme, less is more, indifference and rationality, and cubism. Modernist design forms and their characteristics are mainly reflected in four aspects:
First, prominent functionalism features.
Second, the form advocates simple geometric modeling without decoration.
Third, pay attention to the consideration of space in specific design, with special emphasis on the consideration of overall design.
Fourth, pay attention to the capital investment of the design object in order to achieve practical and economic purposes.
In 1950s and 1960s, with the development of technology and the change of people's aesthetic concept, people were tired of the single design art form of modernism and ignored the psychological needs of consumers, which led to the sameness of product forms and more and more criticism, so the so-called "post-modernism" design art appeared.
The word "postmodernism" is no stranger to a new generation of designers. However, its meaning and concept are often vague. If we put aside the specific reference, literally, we can understand it as "today" or "future". If we want to trace the appearance of this term, it first appeared in the book Selected Poems of Spain and Spain America by the Spanish writer Anis, and pointed out: "Modernism of future generations is a cultural trend of thought that originated in western developed countries in the 1960s. It involves art, design, literature, language, history, politics, ethics, philosophy and other fields. Postmodernism is based on the stage from state monopoly to international transnational monopoly in western developed countries after World War II, that is, late capitalism and post-industrial society. It is characterized by criticizing, denying and surpassing the theoretical basis, mode of thinking and value orientation of modern mainstream culture with the method of reverse thinking analysis. It is a reflection of contemporary western socio-economic and political concepts, and it also reflects many contemporary contradictions and conflicts from one side. "
"Post-modernism design" first appeared in the field of architecture, and then quickly developed into a wide range of fields including graphic design and product design, and some representative design institutions appeared. Looking at its style characteristics, it is based on anti-modernist design art, showing complex and diverse characteristics in design methods, design languages and forms of expression. There are various design modes and schools, and there is no dominant school or thought. Generally speaking, "postmodern design" is manifested in the following aspects:
First, it opposes the simplification of design forms and advocates the diversification of design forms, which is obviously different from the approach pursued by modernism in line with the principles of high efficiency and high technology such as standardization, specialization, synchronization and centralization in industrial society.
Second, oppose rationalism and pay attention to human nature. Modernism emphasizes the rationality and logic of functional structure, rationalism and postmodernism are consistent with post-industrial society, and tend to be humorous and meet the instinctive needs of human nature. No longer regard "function" as the first element of product design, but advocate using "game mentality" to deal with works.
Third, emphasize the metaphor of form, symbol, culture and history, pay attention to the humanistic significance of products, advocate the combination of old and new, and advocate tolerance. Because of this, post-modern design creatively uses a large number of symbolic languages, deconstructs, combines and adjusts products according to the actual functional orientation of products and people's physiological, psychological and social and historical contexts, and creates many rich, complex and diverse product forms.
Fourth, pay attention to the relationship between design works and the environment, and realize that the consequences of design are closely related to the sustainable development of society. In the eyes of postmodern designers, the ultimate realization of humanization, humor and liberalization of design is closely related to the use environment of products and the living environment of human beings. Any design must adapt to the environment and cannot change the environment, so green environmental protection design is regarded as one of the most basic rules by post-modern designers.