2.2 Design Theory Flashcards
What aspects should we consider when analysing designs from the past?
cultural and social influences from the time
major technological developments of the time
key aspects associated with the movement/designer
influences on design today
What are the 8 design movements?
arts and crafts movement
art deco
modernism
de stijl
bauhaus
streamlining
post-modernism
memphis
key aspects of the arts and crafts movement?
Draw inspiration from medieval craftsmanship, reflecting natural forms in textures and surface design.
Focused on the natural beauty of timber in the production of handcrafted furniture.
Appreciation of the beauty of materials.
They were keen to highlight the unique nature of materials, such as the grain in oak wood.
Hand produced using craft skills.
Key designer from the arts and crafts movement
William Morris
What was the art deco movement names after?
the Paris Exhibition in 1925
What was the art deco influenced by?
the geometric shapes on Tutankhamun’s tomb
Key designer from the art deco movement
Clarice Cliff
Key features of the art deco movement
Sunburst motifs
* These rays or segments radiating from a central point were commonly seen in architecture and surface patterns.
Ziggurat (stepped pyramids) was often seen on architecture.
Simple geometric forms
* Distinct change from the natural realism associated with Art Nouveau.
What was modernism symbolised by?
key design schools such as Bauhaus and De Stijl
key features of de stijl
o Focused on the use of basic rectilinear forms and primary colour schemes to produce abstract artistic pieces.
o Designs were largely asymmetrical.
Where was de stijl particularly evident?
furniture, interiors and architecture
key designer from the De Stijl movement
o Gerrit Rietveld who created the iconic ‘red and blue chair’.
When and where was Bauhaus founded?
Design school founded in Germany in 1919
What did Bauhaus specialise in?
metalwork, furniture, architecture, and graphics
What was the aim of Bauhaus?
Aimed to be true to materials and relinquish ornamentation, focusing on the aesthetic associated with the manufacturing process.
key features of the Bauhaus movement?
Form follow function – the aesthetic of a product is dictated by the way it works.
Embracing the machine age – Although Bauhaus rebelled against ornamentation of designs, it differed in that it was keen to use modern machine-based manufacturing processes, seeing beauty in the machined finishes and fabrication methods.
Geometrically pure forms
Everyday products for everyday people – Keen to embrace modern manufacturing techniques as a method of providing affordable products for the whole population.
What was an iconic product from this movement?
The Barcelona chair, which is still very influential today
What did the evolution of streamlining mean?
The evolution of streamlining saw the increased use in architecture of flowing curves and smooth exteriors, bisected with chrome detailing.
Why was streamlining significant?
Application of streamlining to household objects was seen as a sign of modernity.
Who was a key designer from the streamlining movement?
Raymond Loewy has a massive contribution to the movement
Why was post-modernism significant?
Seen as a counter rebellion against the simplicity of form and purely functional nature of Modernism.
What are the key features of the Memphis movement?
Bold and colourful playful designs – it challenged the simplicity of modernism and often used a range of bright colours, including those directly opposite in the colour wheel.
Simplistic juxtapositions of geometric forms – the position of these could seem quite random, reflecting a desire to produce abstract sculptural products.
Challenging forms that often compromised on function
What was a significant design from the Memphis movement?
Ettore Sottsass’s Carlton dresser.
Key designer from the Memphis movement?
Ettore Sottsass
