History of Design – G1

International Style is an architectural style that flourished in Europe and the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. It became the dominant style in the Western architecture during the mid 20th century. The common traits of the International Style buildings are the rectilinear framework, light and firm plane surfaces that were entirely void of ornamentation and decoration. Additionally, Read more →

Originating from the need to rebel against the cautiously aesthetic, Super Normal designs, which emerged from the 2000s, are derived from the exasperation of neo-modernist artists, proclaiming their fatigue in the constant need to appreciate the aesthetics of an object without considering its utility.

As defined by Silvana Annichiarico, Super Normal design refers to the “absence of style, originality and Read more →

In times of social and political change, art serves not only as a source of emotional release but also as a tool of self-expression. Through analysing the characteristics and stylistic elements behind a particular art genre, we can observe the corresponding era’s social political environment. As the bed rock of modern art movements, the Industrial Revolution was in particular, a Read more →

Originating in post World-War ll Italy, Postmodernism was a counter-movement against Modernism which rose to popularity in the late 20th century (1980-90s).

It rejected the industrial process and favoured going out of the box rather than go along with cultural trends and changes. It questioned the emphasis modernists placed on logic, simplicity and order. Postmodernism held an attitude of scepticism and Read more →

Droog is an art collective consisting of a loose group of designers that initially came together in April 1993, when Renny Ramakers and Gijs Bakker presented a collection of products at the Milan Furniture Fair. Named after the Dutch word for “dry”, signifying the dry wit of the collection, Droog has continued to grow into a company with several outlets Read more →

Droog started as an experiment. In April 1993, Dutch design historian, Renny Ramakers and industrial designer, Gijs Bakker presented a collection at the International Furniture Fair in Milan, not knowing how the public would respond to it. A stark contrast from the high-art, sleek furniture displayed, their collection consisted of second-hand objects that were simple and whimsical. They called it Read more →

History of Design

Deconstructivism

       Not considered an art movement but a common way of thinking and executing ideas, Deconstructivism begun as late as 1980 but continues to leave an impact on the modern landscape. Deconstructivism proliferated at around the 1980s, after the decline of Anti design and Memphis. Yet, all Read more →

From the chairs of our classrooms to the buses on the roads, there are many designs which have become “normal” to us through exposure. We do not question the design, nor where it originated. We instinctively reach for the folding desk arm on the right, and find it disquieting to feel nothing there. It is simply what it is.

“These are Read more →

History of American Design American Modern (1925-1940): Design for a New Age

The 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Moderne was a key event that initiated the beginning of American design. This provided designers and producers the opportunity to display the skill and achievements of their nation’s fine craftsmen and manufactures. Subsequently, the Great Depression in 1929 served as Read more →

Naoto Fukasawa designed aluminum stools to be displayed at 2005’s Milan Furniture Fair—however, instead of being displayed on plinths like other new products, the Japanese designer’s stools were “plonked” on the floor, where people were allowed to sit on them. Fukasawa was worried that no one would notice the stools. However, a British designer named Jasper Morrison praised them, and Read more →