Versailles: Power and the Absence of Soul in Design

The construction of Versailles stemmed from Louis XIV's lust for power and envy of his former finance minister's magnificent gardens. The author uses this as a springboard to discuss the lack of soul in modern product design. He argues that, much like Versailles is awe-inspiring yet lifeless, many modern products prioritize superficial aesthetics and functionality, neglecting emotional connection. True design, he contends, should stem from the designer's emotional experiences, drawing inspiration from their own depths, like a gardener cultivating the soil, to create products full of life. The article uses architecture as an example, contrasting the feelings evoked by the Sagrada Família and a telephone exchange building, highlighting the importance of emotion in design.