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Culture and Art
Reference:

Multifunctionality as a Basic Principle of Design

Zhukova Irina

ORCID: 0000-0003-1919-6376

Postgraduate student, Department of Environment and Interior Design, National Institute of Design

115054, Russia, Moscow, Dubininskaya str., 17, p.2

sirius8881@yandex.ru
Barsukova Nataliya Ivanovna

ORCID: 0000-0001-9222-4885

Doctor of Art History

Professor, National Design Institute

354055, Russia, Krasnodar Territory, Plastunka village, Leselidze str., 37/1

bars_natali@mail.ru

DOI:

10.7256/2454-0625.2023.3.39940

EDN:

BSOUFO

Received:

10-03-2023


Published:

27-03-2023


Abstract: The subject of research in this article is the phenomenon of multifunctional objects and objects of the environment. The novelty of the research lies in identifying their features and trends associated with the lack of a unified and methodological approach in the theory and practice of design. In this regard, the issues related to the principle of multifunctionality in certain types of design are considered. Various components of multifunctional design as a progressive and affordable symbiosis of design solutions are highlighted. It was found out that modern design design is focused on the creation of both individual objects that include more than one function, and the environment as a whole. The relevance of this topic lies in the inability to organize a comfortable urban environment with the help of individual compositions. Therefore, the idea of an integrated approach, the organization of the human habitat by design means on the basis of multifunctionality and a multifaceted study of this issue has matured. The result of the study was the systematization of disparate knowledge, the identification of common conditions and factors for the formation of multifunctional objects and environments: efficiency, comfort, convenience, ergonomics in use or usability, modular principle and manufacturability. The definition of multifunctionality as the basic principle of design will expand the range of design design issues, its typologization, mutual adaptability and universality of the creative approach in work.


Keywords:

Multifunctionality, function in design, versatility, design, modular principle, usability, ergonomics, manufacturability, subject design, environment design

This article is automatically translated.

 

The phenomenon of multifunctionality is widely used in many types of activities. It consists in performing several different functions by an object. The level of multifunctionality is often one of the main indicators of the system and consistency, structurality. Since multifunctionality becomes one of the characteristics of an object when designing it, there is a need to dwell on this issue in more detail in design. The relevance of this topic lies in the inability to organize a comfortable urban environment with the help of individual compositions. Therefore, the idea of an integrated approach, the organization of the human habitat by design means on the basis of multifunctionality and a multifaceted study of this issue has matured.

The subject of research in this article is the phenomenon of multifunctional objects and objects of the environment. The novelty of the study is to identify their features and trends associated with the lack of a unified methodological approach in the theory and practice of design.

Modern design practice directly points to the value and necessity of operational design solutions based on the simplicity and convenience of using space, modular principle, ergonomics and artistic and innovative approach. Constantly changing lifestyle, transformation of consumer demands of society require a more subtle approach to any project task.

The methodology of the research of the stated topic in this article, taking into account the complexity and comprehensiveness of the problem, is limited to the design characteristics of multifunctionality and is aimed at identifying external and internal factors of the entire universal design process in design. This process necessarily includes aesthetic and technological aspects of creating an art form. Other issues that have not yet been touched upon by the domestic design theory require closer attention. For example, the study of the socio-cultural component of the existence of multifunctional design objects remains outside the scope of this study.

The analysis of the scientific elaboration of the problem shows that the desire for multifunctionality is not an absolutely new technique – the organization of a universal space endowed with various functions has been known for a long time, ancient houses were at the same time a place of residence, work and sale of goods. People sought to organize a compact and convenient environment for various functional purposes, such as in a Russian dwelling: a peasant hut and a noble country estate [5]. The practice of multifunctional design has developed naturally throughout the history of human settlement since ancient times. The houses of medieval cities were also organized according to the principle of endowing them with various types of activities. Medieval cities with their active development of crafts were characterized by high density, since the space necessary for living and working, the distance of transition from the place of occupation of one type of activity to the place intended for performing other labor functions, were physically limited by walking accessibility. In the context of the medieval city, there were such types of multifunctional buildings, where the first floor was allocated for industrial and commercial purposes, and the upper ones for living. Or vice versa, as in Dutch cities – the upper floors were industrial warehouses, the middle floor was for everyday family household needs, and on the ground floor a trading shop or production was organized.

Industrialization and the industrial Revolution led to the separation of the locations of industrial activity and residence, the construction of buildings specialized in functional purpose. All this has led to the development of the practice of urban zoning, which consists in the spatial separation of functionally specialized zones of the city. The formation of the theoretical foundations of zoning, represented by the Garden City movement, proceeded from the need to resolve the conflict in the practice of using urban land. An industry that pollutes the environment and causes psychological discomfort to a person should not have a negative impact on his life. With the construction of a public transport system, the availability of private vehicles, and lower fuel prices, opportunities have expanded in the construction of a distributed, low-density urban space.

At the present time, multifunctionality is returning to the urban environment, becoming a necessary characteristic of modern open urban space and is inherent in all types of project culture [3, 6, 20]. For example, multifunctional architectural complexes - shopping and entertainment or social and business - are perceived by the consumer as one of the forms of a comfortable environment [11, 15]. Scientists note that multifunctionality is a characteristic feature not only of individual objects, devices and systems, but also of actions, methods and technologies, and the scope of its possible use is almost all spheres of human activity [19]. An example is the off-season use of multifunctional wine-growing complexes, taking into account their landscape and climatic concepts [11]. Such objects are now widespread everywhere – their summer restaurants can transform into themed fairs after the autumn harvest; museum complexes or exhibition grounds turn into venues for master classes and concert programs.In modern society, the desire for the simultaneous use of many functions is one of the methods of competitiveness and thereby moves from a purely theoretical plane to the household level.

 The analysis of the concept of universality as a principle of artistic development of living space was made from the perspective of understanding cultural archetypes, which the author considers to be its basis [8]. Universality is presented as the integrity of the biological and spiritual nature of man; as a specific form of thinking, striving for the universe, as the designer's attraction to the knowledge of the inner world of the customer with the disclosure of his deep universal constants [ibid.].

In the architectural and design design of multifunctional knowledge, it is also possible to observe a focus on solving individual issues on the differentiation of functional features [11, 15]. As a rule, the theoretical basis here is formed according to building codes and regulations [2]. As for the artistic imagery, expressiveness and style of modern objects, the method of combining several linguistic forms or stylistics in one work, which was called polystylistics, is also common here [4].

In this regard, the purpose of the study is to identify the main signs of multifunctionality in subject and environmental design. The phenomenon of multifunctionality, the features of its theoretical definition and meaning formation in design are revealed. Various components of multifunctional design design as a progressive and affordable symbiosis of design solutions are highlighted.

The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that multifunctionality is shown as the basic principle of modern design design. It was found out that modern design design is focused on the creation of both individual objects that include more than one function, and the environment as a whole. The criteria of design design accompanying multifunctionality are defined - modular principle, ergonomics or usability, manufacturability, economy.

The word function comes from the Latin word functio, which means – commission, performance, activity. In other words, a function can be considered the role of an object within a certain system, its work, duty, range of actions. Thus, the function is the work that the product must perform, as well as the semantic, symbolic and value role of the thing. Function in design is considered more broadly than in the technical field. It is perceived both as an object and as a factor of design activity. This is a characteristic that determines the actual performance of the product of its purpose, the action of a material object to change the parameter of another material object. This is the purpose of a thing in connection with its implementation by the consumer. In design, the concept of function expands to the concept of "purpose" — the scope, scope and even purpose of application, and in some cases is identified with the concept of "process" — the course, sequence of events and states in any phenomenon or type of activity.

V. Glazychev, in his numerous works on design, used the most general definition: a function is a generalized task put forward in the process of the evolution of matter in specific historical conditions [10].  Consequently, a concrete thing always acts as a social category, as a historically formed functional and constructive structure "function–construction–form". In philosophical and socio-cultural understanding, this problem appears as follows: the multivariance of derived functions can exist due to the development of civilizations and the stratification of society. In the metaphysical context of the correlation of the elements of the form–function system, the concepts of monofunctionalism (bad) and multifunctionality (good) arise as an idealistic desire to satisfy users [14]

If the form of an object is a carrier of the artistic principle, then the function is an element that determines its functionality. Therefore, the property of an object that characterizes its ability to perform a certain set of functions is called functionality. In the functionality of the projected object, in its techno-form, the designer accumulates a socio-cultural need and implements it in the morphological properties of the object. To do this, he first of all identifies the technical function of the object and presents its functionality in technical effects. A technical function is a set of parameters of a technoform. Functional aspects of design are less subjective than aesthetic aspects [14]Any thing in design must be functional, unlike a work of art, an art object, and can have two or more functions in one object. For example, modern household and information computing equipment are characterized by a high level of versatility: household combines, cell phones and a personal computer implement many heterogeneous functions. Hence, the definition of multifunctionality in design follows – it is the ability to perform several, many functions. Terms such as polyfunctionality and universality can serve as a synonym.Multifunctionality in design as a whole means giving additional functionality to any object, leading to an expansion of the range of its use and application.

In everyday life, we are surrounded by a lot of multifunctional things that unite or transform urgent tasks. A person subconsciously strives for the universal use of household items that make his life easier. An example is a modern mobile phone that combines communication functions with the capabilities inherent separately to a computer, calculator, TV, compass, radar, pulse meter, rangefinder, camera, etc.

It can be considered that in design practice two approaches to the use of multifunctionality are applied: from the required function to the system implementing it and from the existing system to new functions. At the same time, such a criterion of form as ergonomics or usability is necessarily taken into account. The term "usability" can be considered as a synonym for the word "ergonomics" with the difference that the latter determines the minimality of specific physical efforts when using a thing, and the former – the final total degree of convenience, the measure of intellectual effort necessary to obtain the useful qualities of this thing and the speed of achieving a positive result when managing it.

The principle of design — the "aesthetic-usability effect" (Aesthetic-usability effect) states that of two objects with the same function, the more attractive outwardly seems more convenient [16, p. 20]. Usability – "usability" in combination with functionality is increasingly pushing modern designers to create projects with the maximum degree of convenience of their operation, and, consequently, saturation of the subject with several functions. Striving for convenience with an integrated design approach, allows you to achieve the best synergy of all the constituent elements of the form. It is this principle that is taken into account in such a concept as the manufacturability of design. Processability in design is that derivative growing from the analysis of functional requirements in the development of design project concepts.

The functional characteristics of the product can thus be combined and complemented, giving rise to new phenomenal structures and systems. Technical unification of working tools creates original designs based on the synergy of electrics, optics, mechanics and information technology. The mass and ergonomics of objects, their resource and functionality are changing. Therefore, the regularity of the development of scientific and technological progress has given rise to such a definition as multifunctionality in various fields of human activity. The integration of elements of previously disparate structures in the field of architecture and construction creates prerequisites for the realization of multifunctionality as the basis of modern design design. The possibility of using the variety of these forms meets the conjuncture, trends and tasks set for designers and architects.

The following groups of methods are most often used to achieve multifunctionality in design design: combining carriers of functions, transformation, movement from relationships, interactions, conditions, properties and resources to functions. It is also important to take into account the time factor: how different functions can be implemented in time: simultaneously or at different moments, but within one stage of the functioning of the system (a specific thing or environment).

The topic of multifunctionality in design design is inextricably linked with the possibility of transformation or transformation of forms and spaces by modular redesign, depending on the task being solved at the moment. The use of the "modular principle" in design design allows us to constructively expand the options for shaping, the need for the implementation of which is dictated by consumer demands and the development of technologies [18, p. 85]. In design theory, this technique is also called structural shaping [22]. Many researchers have been engaged in the creation of multivariate formative solutions of an object whose elements would be structured in various ways [13, 21-23]. Structural or multivariate shaping relies on a single geometric structure from which the entire form is assembled. Such a structural unit resembles a universal module – fragments of spatial structures are created on its basis. In this case, not the image, but the module becomes the primary basis of the form. Such spatial and modular structures, as a rule, have different purposes – from a structural element, the shell of a building, to a fragment of the landscape. For example, in subject design, a modular approach to shaping can be demonstrated by adding or subtracting modules of basic forms, which future designers must necessarily master in higher educational institutions (Fig.1).

 

Fig. 1. a) b)

       
   
 

a) the method of adding modules with a basic form;

b) the method of subtracting modules from the basic form [17, p.7].

 

The use of structural elements at the heart of the projected structure has made it possible to significantly diversify the formation of complex design forms and to achieve multivariance in the creation of multifunctional household items and universal design and architectural concepts. Abstract modeling and creation of new expressive objects with the help of basic simple geometric shapes is carried out, as a rule, according to the principle of using the following techniques: addition, subtraction, crushing, slice, conjugation to create new ones. In this case, modules can be either an integral part of the main form, performing the main function, or additional elements of the form in order to perform additional functions. Achieving multifunctionality is involuntarily associated with the process of transformation or transformation of the shape of the object. When changing the form, the designer usually has to solve the following tasks:

- change the shape by changing the size and number of its elements-modules;

- change the shape by changing the location of the module elements;

- change the shape by changing the structure or structure itself, using operations such as deformation of the original shape (stretching, compression, bending, twisting, etc.).

The main stages of the methodology for searching for new system functions through transformation and identifying new functions of the modified system are: forecasting, computer modeling, prototyping of the simplest models, obtaining the results of a possible transformation of the system and its system environment and analyzing the possibility of implementing new functions using the resulting transformers.

Based on the study of the interface facets of concepts such as form and function in design, it can be concluded that the modular approach of building a multifunctional complex can also be applied to the goals and specific tasks of the project being created. It is believed that modular design assumes constructive, technological and functional completeness. As a result, the use of various module designs contributes to the growth of economic potential, operational modernization of product parts and their interchangeability.

Based on the above, it can be concluded that the most promising solution to multifunctional problems in the field of design is the use of a modular approach. It follows from this that, initially, multifunctionality was a factor in the emergence of such a concept as a modular approach in design design.

It is possible to distinguish external and internal factors of multifunctional design design (Fig. 2). We have attributed to the external social, scientific, technical and production conditions of the development of design in the historical perspective, which at each new stage impose new requirements on the manufacturability and quality of design objects. The word "progress" should be understood as the use of new materials and technologies, connection with science and technology, defining a new attitude to the form and content of the subject. Among the internal factors, we attributed the already mentioned necessary properties of multifunctional design – multivariance, ergonomics, usability and efficiency of the final version. As a rule, already at the stage of developing design solutions and creating draft projects, the designer identifies the tasks of the technical request or the needs of the customer by distributing them in a flowchart, their correlation with each other and their possible optimization in spatial embodiment.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 2. Factors of multifunctional design.

 

Among the positive qualities of multifunctional objects and systems can be noted such as – improvement of consumer properties, reduction of mass and occupied volume, reduction of the number of elements. The negative characteristics of multifunctional devices include more intensive use of the object.

Although design solutions are inextricably linked with ergonomic ones, there are certain differences between them. The basic principles of ergonomics, according to which spaces are created for living and working, i.e. for performing certain functional processes, are functional zoning, safety, convenience. Design solutions additionally include cultural-semantic and socio-subject content. They are more influenced by fashion, time and the psychology of the customer [7]. Ergonomic solutions are focused more on technical tasks and techniques for organizing space. Therefore, ergonomics is an inseparable component of design solutions, which has found expression in the term "ergodesign" [12].

When developing design solutions for multifunctional objects or objects, as a rule, designers use particular methods or techniques to achieve multifunctionality (Fig. 3). However, general trends in design design in this area can lead to the development of general algorithms in each type of design; and to the creation of methodological materials for the analysis of needs, tasks, resources and search for design solutions.

 

Fig. 3. Methodology of multifunctional design design. 

 

Another important factor in a multifunctional approach is cost–effectiveness. Various functions connected together in one thing or complex eliminate the need to purchase various units, and a well-chosen multifunctional complex is in demand all year round. The same applies to a multifunctional urban environment. The versatility is due in this case to two reasons. Firstly, the underdeveloped infrastructure of nearby territories forces designers to put several functions in one space. For example, the courtyard of a residential complex may include a quiet recreation area, a children's playground, an area with sports equipment, etc. Secondly, the modern urban environment is becoming more diverse. It includes trade, business, and recreational functions. Open spaces are connected to offices, cinemas, libraries, shops, sports grounds. In order to harmonize the coexistence of all these functions in one space, architects and designers offer solutions in which public and personal functions are placed on different levels. Multifunctional buildings and complexes are formed from individual rooms, their groups, buildings and structures with various purposes, the combination of which is due to many factors.

If in the design of a particular thing several functions can exist on equal positions (a food processor), then in the urban environment (streets, open spaces) and architectural complexes the main (dominant) functions remain, and additional functions are added to them. In a modern urban environment, open space has a wider set of functions than was offered in the past. For example, new recreational functions are being added to the historical city centers or shopping streets of many cities, places for recreation, open-air exhibitions, etc. have begun to be located here.

In conclusion, we can note the following. The theoretical substantiation of multifunctionality as a basic principle of designing design objects has shown that several tasks are solved in the process of the methodology of such design: efficiency, comfort and convenience, ergonomics in use or usability, resource savings in manufacturing, etc. The accompanying multifunctional design design criteria are the modular principle, manufacturability and aesthetic appeal.

In a broader sense, the principle of multifunctionality is applicable to the formation of the environment as a whole and is associated with the design of residential and public interiors; exhibition and museum expositions; landscape design in combination with water bodies; the creation of outdoor furniture and equipment and advertising in the urban environment. Multifunctional design or mixed use is the practice of urban planning, involving the possibility of various uses of buildings or construction complexes, combining and combining residential, commercial, industrial, administrative land use.

Systematization of disparate knowledge in this field, identification of general conditions for the formation of multifunctional objects will fill in the gaps in design theory, will contribute to the design of a comfortable universal humanized human habitat.

References
1. Babich V.N., Kremlev A.G. Geometric modeling of architectural forms and urban structures // Architecton: news of universities, 2015. No. 2 (50).
2. Bagryamyan V.A. Multifunctional buildings and complexes / Uch. allowance. Ulyanovsk: UlGTU, 2019.-93 p.
3. Barsukova N. I. The role of environmental design in the conditions of complex improvement of a modern city // Design of the 21st century, traditions and innovations. Mat. 3rd All-Russian. scientific-practical. conf. Sochi: SGUTiKD, 2010.-P. 3–13.
4. Barsukova N. I. Polystylistic techniques of the design culture of postmodernism // Bulletin of OSU. 2007. No. S (76). – S. 88–97.
5. Barsukova N. I. Russian everyday culture-features of the organization of living space // Bulletin of Slavic cultures. 2018. V. 49.-S. 327–342.
6. Barsukova N.I. Landscape organization of multifunctional open urban spaces / Innovations in socio-cultural space //Mat. IX Int. scientific-practical. conf. part 1. Blagoveshchensk: AmSU, 2016.-S. 58–68.
7. Budarin E.L., Saprykina N.A. Features of the principle of ergonomics in the architecture and design of modern housing // Ontology of design. 2016. V. 6, No. 2 (20). pp. 205–215.
8. Vlasova I.M. Universality" in the context of the design activities of designers Bulletin of the Leningrad State University. A. S. Pushkin.-2015
9. Gamayunov V.N. Projectivography: formation and display Abstract of the thesis. dis. Doctor of Arts. – M.: VNIITE, 1989. – 31 p.
10. Glazychev V.L. Function-design-form // Decorative Art of the USSR, No. 4, 1965.
11. Zhukova I. V., Barsukova N. I. Multifunctional environment of modern wineries in the context of wine tourism development // West-Russia-East: political, economic and cultural interaction. No. 10. Togliatti: PVGUS, 2016.-S. 49–52.
12. Kalinicheva M.M., Zherdev E.V., Novikov A.I. Scientific school of ergodesign VNIITE: background, origins, development trends. Moscow: VNIITE, 368 p.
13. Koleichuk V.F. Kineticism. M: Galart, 1994.-154 p., ill.;
14. Lanshchikova G.A. Philosophical interpretation of the self-organization of the material system "form-function" in design// Bulletin of the Omsk State Pedagogical University. – 2019.
15. Lazareva M. V. Multifunctional spaces of large public complexes. Diss ... k. arch. M. 2007.-184 p.
16. Leadwell W., Holden K., Butler J. Universal principles of design / per. A. Frost. St. Petersburg: Piter, 2012.-272 p.
17. Mikheeva E.P. Fundamentals of design methodology in industrial design // textbook. allowance. Vladimir: VlGU, 2014-80 p.
18. Obednina S.V. Modular principle of shaping in design // Academic Bulletin UralNIIproekt RAASN, 2013.-P. 85–90.
19. Pernitsky I.S. Multifunctionality. Directions of research and some methods of implementation // Theory and practice of solving inventive problems: Collection of conference reports. M.: 2007.-328 p.
20. Fomina E.V., Barsukova N.I. Multifunctionality as the main principle of urban residential courtyard space design // Decorative Art and Object-Spatial Environment. / Vestnik MGHPA.-2017.-No. 1. – S. 381–392.
21. Yarmolenko A. Structural and compositional tools of shaping. St. Petersburg: Asterion, 2008.-176 p.
22. Popovic Larsen O. and Tyas A. 2003 Conceptual Structural Design. London: Thomas Telford Publishing. 134 p.
23. Protciuk M.V., Barsukova N.I. Structural shaping as the basis of designing children's playground // IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. Vladivostok. 2018. 022101

First Peer Review

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The author presented his article "Multifunctionality as a basic principle of design design" to the magazine "Culture and Art", in which a study of the possibilities and practices of organizing a universal space endowed with various functions was conducted. The author proceeds in the study of this issue from the fact that the phenomenon of multifunctionality is widely used in many types of activities. It consists in performing several different functions by an object. As the author notes, the level of versatility is often one of the main indicators of the system and consistency, structurality. The relevance of the research is due to the high dynamism of the lifestyle, the transformation of consumer demands of society and, as a result, the value and necessity of operational design solutions based on the simplicity and convenience of using space, the modular principle, ergonomics and an artistic and innovative approach in the design of spaces for various purposes. Unfortunately, the article lacks material on scientific novelty, subject and object of research, and the methodology is not clear. The author also did not analyze the degree of scientific elaboration of the problem, there is no theoretical justification for it. The purpose of the study is to identify the main signs of multifunctionality in subject and environmental design. To achieve this goal, the author sets the following tasks: to reveal the phenomenon of multifunctionality, the features of its theoretical definition and meaning formation in design; to determine the criteria of design design accompanying multifunctionality (modular principle, ergonomics, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness). After conducting a historical review, the author notes that the practice of multifunctional design has developed naturally throughout the history of human settlement since ancient times. The organization of a universal space endowed with various functions has been known for a long time, ancient houses were at the same time a place of residence, work and sale of goods. The author examines the essence and defines the concepts of function, and in particular, multifunctionality in design: giving additional functionality to any object, leading to an expansion of the range of its use and application. The author identifies two approaches to the use of multifunctionality: from the required function to the system that implements it and from the existing system to new functions. The author defines the following groups of ways to achieve versatility in design: combining function carriers, transformation, movement from relationships, interactions, conditions, properties and resources to functions. The author also notes the main stages of the methodology for searching for new system functions through transformation and identification of new functions of the modified system: forecasting, computer modeling, prototyping of the simplest models, obtaining the results of a possible transformation of the system and its system environment and analyzing the possibility of implementing new functions using the obtained transformers. The most promising solution to multifunctional problems in the field of design, from the author's point of view, is the use of a modular approach. The author highlights the external and internal factors of multifunctional design design. The external ones include the social, scientific, technical and industrial conditions of the development of design in the historical perspective, which at each new stage impose new requirements on the manufacturability and quality of design objects. The internal ones include the multivariance, ergonomics, usability and effectiveness of the final version. The author pays special attention to the study of the possibilities of developing common algorithms in each type of design and creating methodological materials for analyzing needs, tasks, resources and finding design solutions. After conducting the research, the author concludes by presenting the conclusions, summarizing the studied material. It seems that the author in his material touched upon relevant and interesting issues for modern socio-humanitarian knowledge, choosing for analysis a topic, consideration of which in scientific research discourse will entail certain changes in the established approaches and directions of analysis of the problem addressed in the presented article. The results obtained allow us to assert that the study of the possibilities of designing and creating a universal multifunctional space is of undoubted theoretical and practical cultural interest and can serve as a source of further research. The material presented in the work has a clear, logically structured structure that contributes to a more complete assimilation of the material. However, the bibliographic list of the study consists of only 12 sources, which seems to be clearly insufficient for generalizing and analyzing the scientific discourse on the subject under study. The author should study and add to the research the work of cultural and art criticism orientation. In addition, the article does not study the socio-cultural component of the stated problems, the author focuses only on the technical and functional characteristics of multifunctionality. Nevertheless, the author fulfilled his goal, obtained certain results that made it possible to summarize the material. It should be stated that the article may be of interest to readers and deserves to be published in a reputable scientific publication after these shortcomings have been eliminated.

Second Peer Review

Peer reviewers' evaluations remain confidential and are not disclosed to the public. Only external reviews, authorized for publication by the article's author(s), are made public. Typically, these final reviews are conducted after the manuscript's revision. Adhering to our double-blind review policy, the reviewer's identity is kept confidential.
The list of publisher reviewers can be found here.

The subject of the study, as it is indicated in the title ("Multifunctionality as a basic principle of design design"), is disclosed inconsistently by the author. The main reason for the inconsistency is the lack of a typology of design design areas in which versatility can be considered a basic principle. From the design of a household item, the author randomly moves to the design of space and back, without tracing the relationship of an object of everyday use with the design of an architectural or socio-cultural human habitat. There is no clear definition of the author's understanding of the environment in the article. The syncretic aspect chosen by the author has the right to exist in the space of theoretical discourse, but this space, unfortunately, is also inconsistently designated: there are no distinctions of social, architectural, spatial or other types of design in which multifunctionality remains the basic principle, and, unfortunately, there are not sufficient theoretical grounds for interdisciplinary synthesis. Most likely, as follows from the selection of literature and the final conclusion, the author is closer to the problems of architectural and spatial design. The author appeals to the domestic theory of design ("other issues that have not yet been touched upon by the domestic theory of design require closer attention"), however, there is no assessment of the state of the domestic discourse of design theory (solved and unresolved problems) in the work. The reviewer recommends that the author, when finalizing the article, limit himself to 2-3 areas of design theory and justify that in all of them there is a problem of multifunctionality, which can be investigated by a certain set of scientific methods. Due to many logical errors, the author did not come to clarity and clarity of ideas about the subject of research in the article. The conclusion that "multifunctional design or mixed use is the practice of urban planning, involving the possibility of various uses of buildings or building complexes, combining and combining residential, commercial, industrial, administrative land use" is not consistent with goal-setting ("The subject of research in this article is the phenomenon of multifunctional objects and environmental objects") and the stated methodological principle ("The methodology of the research of the stated topic in this article, given the complexity and breadth of the problem, is limited to the design characteristics of multifunctionality and is aimed at identifying external and internal factors of the entire universal design process in design"). Thus, it has to be stated that the subject of the study is not disclosed in the article. The research methodology has not been thought out by the author. Goal setting ("Modern design practice directly points to the value and necessity of operational design solutions based on the simplicity and convenience of using space, the modular principle, ergonomics and an artistically innovative approach. The constantly changing lifestyle, the transformation of consumer demands of society requires a more subtle approach to any project task") is not supported by specific research tasks, the methods of solving which are not presented in a logical sequence. The text is dominated by eclecticism in combining terms from various fields of design and different theoretical approaches. The relevance of the topic stated in the title is quite high. Multifunctionality is indeed a leading principle in many areas of modern design and can perhaps be understood as a basic universal principle. However, it has to be stated that the topic has not been disclosed as a promising area of research. The author defines the scientific novelty of the article in the fact that "multifunctionality is shown as the basic principle of modern design design", understanding this branch of scientific knowledge broadly, as the design of "individual objects that include more than one function, and the environment as a whole." However, the concept of "environment" is not defined by the author, so it is difficult to determine the boundaries of the object studied by the author. Accordingly, due to the ambiguity of the object (the studied part of reality), the study of its "multifunctionality" as the subject of research (part or aspect of the object) does not have sufficient logical grounds. Therefore, the scientific nature, as well as the novelty of the author's conclusions, remains in doubt. The style, due to the prevailing terminological eclecticism, is difficult to consider scientific. The structure as a whole is typical of scientific work, but the content does not reflect the logic of scientific research. There are errors and typos in the text (for example: "the principle of multifunctionality is applicable to the formation of the environment as a whole", "However. they require ...", "others were engaged in", etc.), therefore, after theoretical revision, it requires literary proofreading and editing. The bibliography reflects individual problematic areas of design, but it is difficult to separate the literature of theoretical foundations and critically analyzed sources. The design of the descriptions needs to be finalized according to the editorial requirements. An appeal to opponents is not always correct: there are references to educational literature. As presented, the interest of the readership of the magazine "Culture and Art" in this article is not obvious. The reviewer recommends, first of all, to eliminate the main reason for the inconsistency of the presentation of the material (the lack of a typology of design design areas in which multifunctionality can be considered a basic principle), while finalizing as much as possible avoiding ill-conceived terms and judgments.

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The paper "Multifunctionality as a basic principle of design design" is submitted for review. The subject of the study. The subject of the study is the phenomenon of multifunctional objects and objects of the environment. Special attention is paid to the process of incorporating aesthetic and technological aspects of creating an art form. The main purpose of the study is to identify the main signs of multifunctionality in the subject and environmental design. In general, the author's goals and objectives were solved, and the designated subject was investigated in full. Research methodology. The methodology of the research of the stated topic takes into account the complexity and comprehensiveness of the problem, being limited to the design characteristics of multifunctionality. The methodology is based on the identification of external and internal factors of the entire universal design process in design. In the process of the design methodology, several tasks are solved: efficiency, comfort and convenience, ergonomics in use or usability, saving resources during manufacture, etc. The accompanying multifunctional design criteria are: modular principle, manufacturability and aesthetic appeal. The relevance of the study is beyond doubt. The relevance of the subject matter is the inability to organize a comfortable urban environment with the help of individual compositions. The author proposes the idea of an integrated approach, the organization of the human environment by design means based on the versatility and multifaceted study of this issue. The scientific novelty of the study is as follows: - the features and trends of the phenomenon of multifunctional objects and objects of the environment were identified, associated with the lack of a unified methodological approach in the theory and practice of design; - the main stages of the methodology for searching for new functions of the system through transformation and identification of new functions of the modified system were highlighted; - the relevance of the modular approach in the promising solution of multifunctional tasks in the field of design is substantiated; - external and internal factors of multifunctional design design are identified and described. Style, structure, content. The style of presentation corresponds to publications of this level. The language of the work is scientific. The structure of the work is clearly visible. The introduction provides a brief description of the relevance, subject and novelty of the study. Special attention is paid to the research methodology and the analysis of the scientific elaboration of the problem. The main content of the work includes consideration of multifunctionality as a basic principle of design design. The work ends with a small generalizing conclusion. Bibliography. The bibliography of the article includes 23 domestic and foreign sources, there are no publications in the list of references for the last three years. The list includes not only research articles, monographs and abstracts of dissertations, but also textbooks and online publications. The sources of information are not fully designed correctly. Appeal to opponents. The goals and objectives set by the author have been realized. It is recommended to analyze modern sources, since in recent years a significant number of works have appeared that have been devoted to this topic. Insufficient attention is paid to the theoretical analysis of modern research conducted in the work. Conclusions. The problems of the article are of undoubted relevance, theoretical and practical value, and will be of interest to researchers and design practitioners. The work may be recommended for publication.