DSDN171 Blog Assignment 2 (Week 2)

http://aaronborrill.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/mazda-3-mps/

The new Mazda 3 car design is a perfect example of the hegemonial relationship between the yin and the yang of design - the balance between the organic/curved and the straight/geometric. The yang is the rational, functional side - the practicality of the materials of the car and their function in providing a relatively safe mode of transport. However, the yin is the emotional and elaborate side – here, the outer design of the car, the sleek curves and moulded shell, says everything about beauty and sensuality - an attribute of the rococo art design period that has inspired the 'curvaceous' parts of following design periods, although in a less overt and more refined manner.

Design since the rococo period has appeared to swing back and forth between yin and yang, at most times having at least some attributes of either one.

This is an example of the ‘sensuous impulse’ in that the fluidity and aesthetic beauty is valued higher than rationality, however it is not overdone, so there is a balance between the yin and the yang. With the constantly curving shell, however, it is obvious that this design is part of an evolution of rococo design.