Post Modernism - Philippe Strack

Post Modernism - Philippe Strack

Understanding Post Modernism - Philippe Starck

• Post Modernism represents a move away from the simplicity and functionality of modernist design, embracing eclecticism, ornamentation, and bold aesthetics.

• Philippe Starck is a renowned French designer known for his association with Post Modernism. He has often been considered a key influencer in the transition from Modernism to Post Modernism.

• Starck’s designs celebrate playfulness and irony, preferring non-traditional materials and forms. This is evident in his Ghost Chair design where he reimagined the classic Louis XVI armchair in transparent polycarbonate.

• Starck believes in democratic design, stating that his mission is to create objects that are both beautiful and affordable for the masses.

Analysing Starck’s Influence on Product Development

• Starck’s influence on product development can be seen in the material choices and design characteristics of many contemporary items.

• His use of vibrant colours, organic shapes, and eco-friendly materials has encouraged designers to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional concepts.

• This influence promotes creativity in product development, as designers are encouraged to step beyond the constraints of pure function and explore the aesthetic potential and symbolic meanings in products.

Considering Starck’s Designs from a Technological Perspective

• Starck was a pioneer in using new materials and technologies in his designs. His Ghost Chair, for instance, employs injection-moulded polycarbonate, a process which allows complex forms to be made from a single piece of material.

• His designs often blend digital technologies with classic craft, each reinforcing the value of the other. For instance, he might use digital modelling to refine an design, which is then handmade by a craftsman.

Assessing the Socio-economic Impact of Starck’s Designs

• Starck’s democratic design approach has had a significant socio-economic impact. By creating products that are both aesthetically appealing and relatively affordable, he has helped to make good design accessible to a wider market.

• However, Starck’s philosophy has also been criticised, as some believe his widely copied designs devalue the craft and exclusivity traditionally associated with high-end design products.

Starck’s Impact on Future Product Development

• Starck’s legacy continues to inspire product designers, his eclectic and playful design approach challenges traditional design norms.

• Emphasising the importance of designs that are both meaningful and accessible, he has championed a shift from form-follows-function to a more balanced approach where form and function coexist harmoniously.

• This philosophy helps to create a more inclusive design world, where products are not only functional but also bring joy and spark imagination, ultimately influencing how future products are developed.