What IS taste?

Obviously, this is a loaded question. When we design, we are often designing for someone or something. But let us step back to undergrad for a moment. 

One of the lessons heavily engrained in the first few years of design school is the notion of composition. What is a good composition vs. what is a bad composition. Typically, students’ assignments are lined up and we decide which ones we like and which ones we don’t. This is more than a critique; it is teaching the idea of comparative assessment. We can all see one design as better than another for SO many reasons. We also see within designs why some aspects work really well and why others do not. We do this all by just using our eyes. 

My example of a project that is tasteful and effective is the Metropol Parasol designed by Jurgen Mayer of Germany. I think this project is not only successful to fulfil its purpose, but it is also designed in such a way that it is COMPOSED. When one looks at it you can see the elements flow in a logical order, the height is just right, there is purpose to its shade (to cover the ancient remains and plaza) the material has been chosen not to contrast much with the cityscape.

Let us say instead of wood, the structure was made of stainless steel. Would that really work in the composition of this plaza in Seville? I offer the opinion that it would not. Even if everything else was exactly the same and it did all of those great things listed above except that it was made of stainless steel, lay people would easily notice this odd decision.

Composition and impression of a project is important. In my view, the concept is where people can infer, the composition is not.