‘Form follows function’ was the terminology used in architecture and industrial design in the modern West. This principle broadened its context and easily situated itself in the everyday life and social studies. Was it not the architecture anyway, that initiated Postmodernism? It is rather easy to grasp the fact that inhabiting structures influence masses faster than literature or plastic arts.
The concept of the ‘utilitarian’ and the ‘pragmatic’ have still been relevant when machines and their functions are considered. ‘Benefit’ is indispensable and machines are expected to serve mankind.
On the other hand, the Western idea of machinery with its uses have always been in contrast with the Eastern understanding of functionality.
The foremost example for this is, Al-Jazari, an Anatolian polymath who served as the chief engineer at the Artuklu Palace in 12th century. He designed and constructed fifty mechanical devices and automata literally to ‘entertain’ the Ruler, with more aesthetic concerns, rather than practical . Thus he was more curious about the craftsmanship necessary to construct his devices, in spite of the technology laying behind them. For that reason his machines were usually put together with errors and troubles rather than theoretical calculation. He was extremely ‘ingenious’ though, as reflected in the English title of his book.
He designed and constructed a drink-serving waitress, a hand-washing automaton with flush mechanism, a peacock fountain with automated servants, a musical robot band, various candle clocks and an elephant clock...
Complimenting on Byzantine ‘siphon’ for draining, Al-Jazari introduced the first suction pipes, double action pump, and early uses of valves and a crankshaft-connecting rod mechanism, while building machines such as an automaton which assisted the Ruler with his ablutions, finishing up with handing a dry towel. What an impressive way of showing off to his foreign guests!
No comments:
Post a Comment