"sensuous impulse"

The “sensuous impulse” is where form is prioritized over function. It is the irrational necessity to make everything curvaceous without a thought for the actual products purpose. The seductive ergonomics are taken from nature rather than history, sucking people into buying products for the ornament value. Straight lines symbolizing rational classical inspired function verse the feminine passion shown through curves.

The Art Nouveau period is where these impulses are frequently made. The organic curves are contagious and take over all it touches. The nature inspired curves spread over walls, furniture and ornaments while being dysfunctional and expensive. The picture I chose is from the art nouveau period, the handrail specifically shows a sensuous impulse via its pattern which is the main focus rather than the function.