The course deals with the history of design through the critical-formal reading of objects, their transformations through the centuries and the contribution given to Design by the world of technology, art and craftsmanship. Greater emphasis will be given to the period from the end of the nineteenth century to the 80s of the last century.
1. A., BRANZI, Capire il design, Giunti Editore, Firenze 2007
2. M., VITTA, Il progetto della bellezza. Il design fra arte e tecnica 1851-2001, Einaudi editore, Torino 2001.
3. P. BERGAMASCO, V. CROCI, Design in Italia, L’esperienza del quotidiano, A. Colonnetti Libri.
4. R., DE FUSCO, Storia del Design, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 1985 (edizioni successive 2001, 2002, 2005).
5. GILLO DORFLES, Introduzione al disegno industriale: linguaggio e storia della produzione di serie, Einaudi Editore, Torino 2001
6. T., MADONADO, T. (1976). Disegno industriale: un riesame. Milano: Feltrinelli (1976 ed edizioni successive)
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to offer an in-depth understanding of the theory and history of design through the analysis of that fundamental historical period (from the early 19th century to the middle of the next century) that saw design evolve from activity unconscious and linked to the production of "useful" objects, to a conscious and complex activity that includes aesthetic, cognitive and communicative contributions, etc.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, multiple choice test, compilation by the student of a final work on format indicated by the teacher.
Further information
Particular attention will be given to the structuring of a methodology of critical-historical reading of objects, designers and styles, on the basis of an "open" definition but historicized in design activity.
Type of Assessment
The exam is an oral interview, after passing a multiple-choice written test, (will be considered passed with the 18/30 vote) and the delivery of a written report agreed with the teacher in class.
The TEST will be performed the morning of the exam.
The written report will be evaluated later during the exam, together with the texts assigned as a bibliography.
Course program
Lesson topics:
- Definition: design or non-design? The contribution of aesthetics and art, relationship with craftsmanship and technique, hypothesis of current definition, from the first definition of ICSID to today;
- The prehistory of design: the applied arts (from artisans to architects designers);
- The Great Exhibition of London of 1851 and the epiphany of Design: the beautiful technical and beauty of functionality, the great inventions of the nineteenth century, the Victorian house and the industrial city, the Neo-Gothic style and the Arts and Krafts, Art Nouveau;
- The modern international style: from Art Deco to artistic avant-gardes;
- The Wiener Werkstätte, the Deutsche Werkbund and the Bauhaus, the Universal Exhibition in Stuttgart in 1927, the school of Ulm. The contribution of the historical avant-garde;
- American design: streamlining and international style;
- Scandinavian design;
- The evolution of the kitchen space from the '20s to the Second World War: comparison between the American cuisine and the cuisine of Frankfurt;
- Italian design: the years between the two world wars, means of transport and furnishings,
- The great season of Italian design: the second post-war period and the economic boom, the 60s, the Radical Design.
- The triennials: from Monza to Milan.