Design as Art
Ratings16
Average rating3.8
How do we see the world around us? The Penguin on Design series includes the works of creative thinkers whose writings on art, design and the media have changed our vision forever. Bruno Munari was among the most inspirational designers of all time, described by Picasso as 'the new Leonardo'. Munari insisted that design be beautiful, functional and accessible, and this enlightening and highly entertaining book sets out his ideas about visual, graphic and industrial design and the role it plays in the objects we use everyday. Lamps, road signs, typography, posters, children's books, advertising, cars and chairs - these are just some of the subjects to which he turns his illuminating gaze.
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While acknowledging that certain aspects of this book may not have aged well (as anticipated), it begins on a strong and engaging note. However, as the narrative progresses into later chapters, there seems to be an excessive focus on irony through enumeration and small experiences, which, in my opinion, lacks significant utility.
Moreover, during the time of writing, the incorporation of pragmatism and the use of nature's forms as a reference in the design world were not groundbreaking concepts. Nevertheless, these perspectives remain compelling to read and can serve as a positive influence on the minds of young designers.
This might be one of those books, that doesn't teach much new if you're already in the field of design, but that nevertheless sparks inspiration through the way he muses about the field and its players, contemplates designs' purpose and minutely lists instructions on how to build sculptures. It's a bit of a relic, which contributes to its charm.
