Kyrill,
Thanks for your description, very clear. I believe the English translates this German very well, we say 'The Devil is in the Detail'.
Same thing exactly, though lacking the German dramatic sense, and used almost colloquially in English.
I do agree with this sentiment. You see it in the design of most European and a few Japanese automobiles, particularly in the passenger compartment. In US autos, you see it in the bold but simple design of the mechanical comcponents; it is clear that there has been very careful thought about function, then scrupulous attention to fabricating it at lowest cost - witness in particular the GM and Chrysler engines. But my favourite designers are the Italians; they somehow contrive to put soul into their consumer goods. Consider a cappucino machine; from Italy these things are works of art. Italian motorcycles, though at times unreliable (mostly electrical problems), are wonderful to ride, very 'sympatico' with the human spirit. The Japanese bikes are mechanical perfection, beautifully finished, incredibly reliable and handle and brake unbelievably well, but somehow they don't communicate with the rider like the Italian bikes. This is highly abstractive commentary, easily dismissed as bull****, but if you love bikes, cars, industrial art, there is something to it.
I've noticed that good industrial design starts to take on the characteristics of the originating culture. This is never more obvious than with German automobiles, which are extraordinarily refined, tough, and powerful, and, well, functional. (Although I need to be careful here as BMW now employs an American from Ohio to head up their body design team). One could say something similar of Scandinavian cars too, which are not the same, but certainly they clearly reflect the culture.
Cheers,
Hugh
