Very nice interview with Neil. His insights are always enlightening.

It is interesting to contrast Neil’s views with those of Graham Blackburn that I am currently writing about on my blog.

The thing that I wonder is whether there is an implicit understanding of function (and the various constraints that may be involved in any design effort) that is already there before one embarks on an exploration of form. Rather than pitting form against function it seems to me that the exploration of design involving the two is an intertwined process where function is represented by any constraints that you may have and the form is the result of the design efforts while considering the look desired and those constraints. For example, something to be used to sit on (i.e. a chair of some sort) can take many forms but there are always some constraints that are bound to be there and deal with when designing that piece.

Keep up the great work!

–Mark
The Craftsman’s Path

I had a blast doing this with Neil; he always brings so much to the table, that it pulls you into the deep well.

That was an absolutely fascinating interview. Wow, talk about twists and turns! Somehow you guys got the benzene ring, bean bag chairs and the scientific method all in one conversation about furniture design!

David