Aesthetic Factors in Engineering Technical Activities

Abstract

It is the inherent requirement for acting and constructing based on the principle of aesthetics in working and other human activities. In modern times the engineering and artistic activities interact with each other in terms of ideas and methods, while they mutually establish the means for the other. Accordingly the two fields are promoted to be developed respectively, and in the meantime a distinctive aesthetics appears, which is distinguishable from those in the artwork and in the technical products per se. The aesthetics in engineering is in compatible with the practical function. It involves directly in the material, structure, craft and functions, and displays the harmony between human-machine and artificial products-nature. The aesthetic factors exist throughout every step of engineering activities, including design, construction, and use. Meanwhile, as internal criteria they generally affect the engineering processes and principles. As a trend, modern engineering tends to meet the abundant spiritual needs in additional to seek to achieve perfect functions. The Chinese ancient crafts have their own unique aesthetic system. They pursue a coordinated and reasonable arrangement of both nature and human life, and can be briefly characterized into two categories: “Harmony” and “Suitability”. “Harmony” lies in the coordination, complementation and mutual excitation of heterogeneous elements, which is behind the principle of occurrence, the normal state of existence and the optimistic of functions. The Harmony is embodied between Dao and instrument, and Dao and crafts. “Suitability” is the degree of the Harmony. It involves in multiple relationships between such as “craft” and “material”, people and objects, heart and objects. Suitable has intimated the ergonomics of present-day. This aesthetic system also comprises specific aesthetic concepts such as illusion and realism, rhythm, scene, elegance, subtleness and flatness. These not only contribute to the glory of Chinese ancient crafts, but also provide references to modern engineering technology aesthetics and industrial design. The problems brought about by the expansion of technological rationality can also be dispelled and counterpoised accordingly.