The Challenges of Balancing Aesthetics with Function

Balancing aesthetics with function is a common challenge many designers face. Whilst technological innovations have helped to blur the lines and push boundaries, not all end-users respond well to a high degree of technology. In a designer’s world, aesthetic and function must work in harmony and the success of the project is ultimately judged on this criterion.

Aesthetics refer to the visual or sensory qualities that make something pleasing to the eye. In design, aesthetics are essential because they create an emotional connection with the user or viewer.

However, today, we are constantly overloaded with beautiful designs from all over the world, and less likely to be wowed by pure form. A fourth dimension is now a requirement designers must consider. This could be creating an experience, story or connection to the subject matter as a pre-requisite to forming the aesthetic standpoint.

When it comes to functionality - digitisation, miniaturisation and remote and wireless technology have had a profound impact on the ability to flex the norm and push boundaries, which has in turn added to the ability to create both beautiful and practical designs.

When finding the balance between these two key design elements, function should come first. Understanding the user’s needs and the limitations of a space, gives the outlines of what is required, which can then be transformed into a stunning project.

We recently worked on a high-profile restaurant project in central London that had several functional challenges including a lack of ceiling height, the need for a complex kitchen extraction unit, air conditioning and feature lighting. Additionally, from an operational point of view, both the chef and menu dictated the requirement for an open fire cooking environment. These initial “limitations” challenged our design team to incorporate the key environmental features, so rather than detracting from the design, they accentuated the beauty of the fixtures and environment, whilst leaving the end user unaware of the challenges.

In conclusion, aesthetics and function can never be siloed. If aesthetics overshadows function, designs become less efficient and practical, and may ignore the user’s needs completely.