Ornament And Crime by Adolf Loos
"Ornament and Crime" is a collection of essays by an influential architect and critic who argues passionately against the use of ornamentation in art and architecture. He posits that the evolution of culture is synonymous with the removal of ornament from everyday objects, suggesting that the urge to decorate our buildings and possessions is a primitive impulse. The author asserts that the absence of ornament is a sign of spiritual strength and that modern individuals should embrace simplicity and economy in design. This work has had a profound impact on the development of modern architecture, advocating for a focus on functionality and purity of form.