In Adolf Loos' book, "Ornament and Crime," the chapter on ornament and austerity explores his controversial views on the role of ornamentation in design and its relationship to society. Loos argues that ornamentation in architecture and decorative arts is primitive and unnecessary, suggesting that it reflects a lack of cultural and intellectual progress.
Loos believes that ornamentation has its roots in the primitive instincts of mankind, similar to tattooing or body painting. He criticizes the use of ornamentation as a form of self-expression or cultural identity, contending that it is a waste of resources and a distraction from the true nature of objects. He compares ornamentation to the crimes committed throughout history, suggesting that it is a detrimental and regressive element in design.
According to Loos, true beauty lies in simplicity and functionality. He advocates for an aesthetic of austerity, where design is stripped of unnecessary embellishments and focuses solely on the essential elements of form and function. Loos argues that this approach leads to a more honest and timeless design, free from the constraints of fashion or passing trends.
Overall, the ornament and austerity chapter in Adolf Loos' book presents a provocative critique of ornamentation and a call for a more minimalist and functional approach to design. His ideas have had a significant influence on the modernist movement and continue to spark debates on the role of ornamentation in architecture and design.