From 1870 until 1933, Adolf Loos, a prominent Austrian architect and essayist, lived. He is renowned for his criticism of ornamental design and his support of functionalism, which prioritizes functionality and simplicity over ornamentation.

The distinction between art and commonplace objects was one of the main concepts that Loos promoted. He maintained that although household objects and works of art have different functions, both have significance and a place in society. According to Loos, people can be inspired by art because it opens their eyes to new possibilities and promotes forward thinking. Conversely, homes and commonplace items are designed to meet immediate needs and offer comfort.

To demonstrate his point, Loos could compare a house to a comfortable cabin that provides refuge to people who have already found their way home, while a piece of art is like a compass that points us in the direction of uncharted territory. In this metaphor, the cabin stands for the cozy quality of useful items, while the compass represents the imaginative element of art.

This concept by Loos reflects his larger view that design and architecture should effectively serve people's needs without superfluous embellishments. Instead of merely catering to aesthetic tastes or prevailing cultural trends, he thought that spaces should be designed to improve functionality. By doing this, he hoped to inspire people to think beyond their immediate surroundings and create environments that genuinely enrich daily life.

As we continue to struggle with how design and technology impact our experiences and goals in a world that is constantly changing, Loos' viewpoint is still pertinent today.