Milanese architect Matteo Thun (a founder of Memphis) said that “design is dead” (see Metropolitan Home profile by Aric Chen, October 08), and that 9/11 exposed how “design was pushing unnecessary consumption.” In the introspective aftermath of the attacks, when unnecessary spending temporarily froze, “several designers came to understand the game is over.”
Now, says Thun, he only designs what “fills a necessity and improves the comfort of life.” Thun and other designers certainly have had that revelation, but, seven years later, have we really had a shift in our spending habits or priorities?
September 11th, 2008 at 7:43 am
No, absolutely not. I think Mr. Thun’s comment as it relates directly to the events of 9/11 are accurate. I believe he’s out-of-tune with what many designers are referring to as “socially conscious” design. Which is more than filling a necessity and improving quality of life, its about changes that affect/effect our society as whole… not just the consumer experience. Real life… humankind.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Nisi and Joann – I think so, up to a point. Didn’t I hear somewhere that Phillipe Starck was “quitting” design. I think we are going through a cycle, moving away from design that is a sign of social status -a kind of conspicuous consumption ala Veblen, but more modern style and nature. My hunch is we are on the verge of a new social movement where design is more authentic and reflects limits. Instead of 20,000 square foot modern statement, a 1500 eco-modern house, instead of a tricked out Bentley, a Mini or Prius with sustainable fabric interior. Very related to what Martin Kenney just wrote about – the new frugality.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
It depends how you define design. Trends will affect $500-handbag “design” differently than they affect Ikea furniture “design”.
And the Ikea folks do deal with pretty tough design challenges: how to make something that looks decent, can be made cheaply and sustainably, and yet will fit it into a flat-pack box. Likewise, laying out a 1500 square foot house is probably harder than a 20,000 sf one, just because you have less room for error and waste. As for the Prius, I find the usability of its dashboard components awful — the Civic Hybrid has a much better design for helping you adjust your driving style for better mileage.
Perhaps there will be more innovation on those sorts of design issues but less of an interest in “high end”, status-driven design.