True ornament is not a matter of prettifying externals. It is organic with the structure it adorns, whether a person, a building, or a park. At its best it is an emphasis of structure, a realization in graceful terms of the nature of that which is ornamented.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ornament should enhance and reflect the structure it decorates rather than just add surface beauty.
- In plain terms
- Decoration should match the structure it is on.
- What can you take from it?
- Ensure decorations serve the design they are part of.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does this design serve its purpose?
- How do parts relate to the whole?
Another view
Some decorative styles prioritize expression over structure.
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