Genius of design - Episode 2
Genius of Design is a six-part BBC series, produced in 2010. The series focuses on the history of design, and the movement/concepts that shape today's design Industry.Design for Living is the second episode of this series, and focuses on the varying design philosophies of Modernism and Design Consumerism/Individualism.
The episode begins with Modernism, with its influence on Bauhaus. This movement was a response against the style known as Art Nouveau, which used organic form, and involved a high degree of ornamental material. However, Modernism focus on minimalism, and pieces were reduced to their function, and the design was directed toward the function, while reaching maximum possible quality. Modernism was concerned with making pieces readily available to the masses, with Bauhaus encouraging this by mixing an eclectic group of skills together. Artists were mixed with construction workers and tradespeople, combining structure, with aesthetics, form, use and structure.
The documentary discusses how the general public did not embrace Modernism, particularly in England. This public reluctance was attributed to the limiting nature of Modernism, for instance the Frankfurt Kitchen, although highly functional and efficient, was cold and demanded that users arrange their kitchen activities to suit the kitchen, rather than the other way around. After World War 1, people sought comfort, and whilst Modernism offered functionality, it did not offer comfort, with Bauhaus chairs being designed to look at, not to sit in. As such, the general public rejected Modernism.
The episode begins with Modernism, with its influence on Bauhaus. This movement was a response against the style known as Art Nouveau, which used organic form, and involved a high degree of ornamental material. However, Modernism focus on minimalism, and pieces were reduced to their function, and the design was directed toward the function, while reaching maximum possible quality. Modernism was concerned with making pieces readily available to the masses, with Bauhaus encouraging this by mixing an eclectic group of skills together. Artists were mixed with construction workers and tradespeople, combining structure, with aesthetics, form, use and structure.
The documentary discusses how the general public did not embrace Modernism, particularly in England. This public reluctance was attributed to the limiting nature of Modernism, for instance the Frankfurt Kitchen, although highly functional and efficient, was cold and demanded that users arrange their kitchen activities to suit the kitchen, rather than the other way around. After World War 1, people sought comfort, and whilst Modernism offered functionality, it did not offer comfort, with Bauhaus chairs being designed to look at, not to sit in. As such, the general public rejected Modernism.
In order to sell products, design must appeal to the mainstream. Design was not solely for the elite. These designs sought to design according to how people behaved, rather than how people should have behaved. Consumerism and or Individualism was born...
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