DESIGN THEORY 2024
Anti design 1960s
Ideals:
- strongly opposed to the constraints of capitalism, the role of the consumer was central to the
thinking of all their designers.
- sought to harness the social and cultural potential of design rather than embrace style as a
means of increasing sales.
- explored the rich potential of colour, embraced ornament and decoration.
Influences:
Art deco- bring colours, geometry
Scandinavian design- flatpak furniture and floral patterns
Kitsch- Low art – elevating everyday objects to iconic status. Bean bags and inflatable furniture.
Optical art- Visual illusions tying in with psychedelic trends.
Social, political, economic context
- Dissatisfaction with western government (Vietnam War, Berlin Wall erected- east and west)
- Anti-designers showed a general sense of dissatisfaction with the abuse of technology
● invention of polypropylene (a type of polyolefin that is slightly harder than polyethylene. It
is a commodity plastic with low density and high heat resistance. It finds application in
packaging, automotive, consumer goods) and cheap plastics
- Showed their dislike for consumerism
Resulted in revisionist movement where designers wanted to redefine design world
∴ designs were often provocative and used irony to drive home their message.
Age of affluence- period of optimism and progress; movement towards consumerism; mass media in
form of radio and television- fast flow of information- up to date on market
Gen X- period of social change; era of ‘lifestyle’ - increased interest in fashion and pop music
The Peace movement- mass protests; psychedelic revolution promoted forays into a drug
induced escapism, reflected in wild pattern and hallucinogenic colour.- reaction to monochrome of war
(Vietnam)
Archizoom Associati
- Founding member: Andrea Branzi
- Designed exhibition installations, architecture, interiors and products.
- Glorify kitsch, challenging society
Anti design 1960s
Ideals:
- strongly opposed to the constraints of capitalism, the role of the consumer was central to the
thinking of all their designers.
- sought to harness the social and cultural potential of design rather than embrace style as a
means of increasing sales.
- explored the rich potential of colour, embraced ornament and decoration.
Influences:
Art deco- bring colours, geometry
Scandinavian design- flatpak furniture and floral patterns
Kitsch- Low art – elevating everyday objects to iconic status. Bean bags and inflatable furniture.
Optical art- Visual illusions tying in with psychedelic trends.
Social, political, economic context
- Dissatisfaction with western government (Vietnam War, Berlin Wall erected- east and west)
- Anti-designers showed a general sense of dissatisfaction with the abuse of technology
● invention of polypropylene (a type of polyolefin that is slightly harder than polyethylene. It
is a commodity plastic with low density and high heat resistance. It finds application in
packaging, automotive, consumer goods) and cheap plastics
- Showed their dislike for consumerism
Resulted in revisionist movement where designers wanted to redefine design world
∴ designs were often provocative and used irony to drive home their message.
Age of affluence- period of optimism and progress; movement towards consumerism; mass media in
form of radio and television- fast flow of information- up to date on market
Gen X- period of social change; era of ‘lifestyle’ - increased interest in fashion and pop music
The Peace movement- mass protests; psychedelic revolution promoted forays into a drug
induced escapism, reflected in wild pattern and hallucinogenic colour.- reaction to monochrome of war
(Vietnam)
Archizoom Associati
- Founding member: Andrea Branzi
- Designed exhibition installations, architecture, interiors and products.
- Glorify kitsch, challenging society
