Design history and culture

The Influences of Design History and Culture

Arts and Crafts Movement (late 19th Century – early 20th Century)

  • Transformation from Victorian decorating excesses towards a simpler, more functional design
  • Mentored and led by William Morris, it emphasized handicraft, simple forms and use of local materials
  • Modern machines were not wholly dismissed; their negative impact on worker’s skills and values were criticised

Bauhaus (1919 – 1933)

  • Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany
  • Merged fine and applied arts
  • Thinking was that objects should be simple, functional and affordable
  • Despite lasting for only 14 years, its influence is seen in all modern design

Art Nouveau (1890 – 1910)

  • Arises in reaction to the industrial revolution and to its manufactured aesthetic
  • Inspired by natural forms, structures and patterns
  • Major figure Charles Rennie Mackintosh was best known for the Glasgow School of Art

Art Deco (1920 – 1939)

  • Name derived from the 1925 ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels’ in Paris
  • Geometric, streamlined forms with sharp, angular lines
  • Influences from Cubism, Futurism, and archaeological discoveries such as Tutankhamun’s tomb

Modernism (20th Century)

  • Dominant philosophical outlook for architects and designers in the 20th Century
  • Focus on rational use and functionality with materials and forms
  • Architects such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier are prominent figures

Postmodernism (late 20th Century)

  • Reaction against Modernism’s strict rules
  • ‘Form follows function’ versus more aesthetics-aware designs
  • Mix styles, ideas and materials from different periods and civilisations

Progression and Changes in Design through Time

Influence of New Materials and Manufacturing Processes

  • Access to innovative materials like polymers and stainless steel pushed boundaries of design
  • Raymond Loewy’s design for the streamlined pencil sharpener encapsulates this aspect

Impact of Political, Social and Economic Changes

  • Boom in consumer products post WWII: televisions, radios, kitchen appliances
  • Government policies can affect design. For example, Ecodesign Directive in EU mandating energy efficiency

Technological Advances

  • Has always had an impact on design, from invention of the wheel to the smart phone
  • Advances such as CAD/CAM have transformed the design process

Cultural Influence

  • Design does not exist in a vacuum, impacted by culture of its day
  • Postmodernism, for instance, said to reflect more uncertain, complex nature of late 20th century society

Impact of Key Design Thinkers

  • Icons like Dieter Rams, Charles and Ray Eames shape the design field through their philosophies

Understanding Cultural Appropriation versus Appreciation in Design

  • Cultural appropriation is when elements of one culture are borrowed or taken by another, often dominant culture
  • Can be offensive, take away livelihoods or perpetuate stereotypes
  • A respectful cultural appreciation, however, brings cultures together, shows understanding and respect

Fostering Ethical and Sustainable Production

  • Rising awareness of climate change and unethical labour practices influences design
  • There is focus on designing for disassembly, use of biodegradable materials and fair wages
  • Many products now consider lifecycle analysis and design for improved end-of-life management such as recycling or biodegradability