The urge for good design is the same as the urge to go on living.

The quote by Harry Bertoia, "The urge for good design is the same as the urge to go on living," draws a parallel between the innate human desire for quality and meaning in life and the deep-seated need for design that is functional, beautiful, and purposeful. Bertoia, a renowned artist and designer, suggests that just as we have an intrinsic drive to live and experience life to its fullest, there is a similar instinct to seek out or create design that reflects our desires, needs, and aspirations. Good design, in his view, is essential to human experience, providing both aesthetic satisfaction and practical value.

Bertoia’s statement highlights the fundamental connection between design and human well-being. Just as living life fully involves engaging with the world around us, good design enables us to interact with our surroundings in a meaningful and enriching way. Whether in furniture, architecture, or everyday objects, design serves as a tool for improving how we experience the world. For Bertoia, this urge to create and appreciate good design is as vital as the need to live with purpose and intention.

This quote also emphasizes Bertoia's belief in the interdependence of form and function. Good design is not just about aesthetic appeal but about creating objects that make life easier, more enjoyable, and more thoughtful. As a designer, Bertoia sought to create pieces that were both visually striking and highly functional, reflecting his understanding that design is not merely decorative but essential to the way we experience and navigate the world.

Ultimately, Bertoia's quote underscores the idea that good design is an essential aspect of life itself—both as a creative expression and as a practical necessity. Just as the urge to live is fundamental to human nature, so too is the desire for design that enriches our lives, offering us beauty, functionality, and meaning in the spaces we inhabit.