Design as Means of Countering Vandalism

Abstract

In this research the design in hardening of aesthetically valuable objects against vandalism is analyzed. There are two distinguished forms of vandalism: meaningless and meaningful ones. The purpose of this research is to develop design methods that enhance protection of aesthetically valuable objects against vandals. The harmonious development of the society is the main goal of culture. Actions that prevent movement to the harmonious development of society are treated as vandalism in this study, in a broad sense of the word. Meaningful vandalism is aimed at the destruction or desecration of objects with aesthetic or cultural value. The counteraction against the meaningful vandalism cannot be realized through the design. The research of vandalism motivation shows that meaningless vandalism does not have a pronounced goal. The main characteristic of meaningless vandalism is a destruction of the most at the lowest cost. It is shown in the study, how to resist the meaningless vandalism by using the objects of design. The relationship of design and mindless vandalism is not linear. Inharmonious design can provoke this type of vandalism. It is important to avoid stress and attention concentrators, when designing aesthetically valuable objects. Aimless (mindless) production is a kind of meaningless vandalism. Trash is the lower border of mindless vandalism and the upper border is meaningful vandalism. Violation of physical and spiritual ecology is the main source of mindless vandalism.