The reading (The Continuing Curve by Penelope Hunter-Stiebel) refers to sensuous impulse with reference to the 'yin' side of design and architecture such as Rococo and Art Nouveau styles. It seems the reading is making the argument that these decorative and feminine styles are showing sensuous impulse and that the 'yang' side such as neoclassicism and constructivism do not, this I disagree with.
Sensuous is defined as appealing to the senses, I believe this goes beyond aesthetic appeal and can also be defined culturally, morally or ergonomically, meaning sensuous impulse is purely a personal opinion. This is why there are those such as Charles-Nicholas Cochin and Abbe le Blanc who object to the Rococo style even with its 'sensuous appeal.'
I do not believe design has to be unnecessarily detailed or lose functionality to have sensuous impulse. Nor do I think natural curvature is needed to show sensuous complexity, Art Deco displays complexity through the use of order and geometry. Even classical architecture has natural features within its order, seen in the volutes of Greek columns.
Sometimes functionality and order can be as sensually appealing as natural curvature, it all depends on which senses are being appealed to.
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