A Global History of Object Design
Come along for a fascinating journey following object design through pre-history, classical periods, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the Werkbund, The Bauhaus, Modernism, Post-Modernism, Globalism and finally what might come next.
Interested in attending any future dates of this course?
Register your interest now
Description
Human-made objects through the ages will be the focus of this course with an emphasis on the design process and the part we all play in the direction it takes us. It will trace the trajectory of object design and making through pre-history, classical periods, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the Werkbund, The Bauhaus, Modernism, Post-Modernism, Globalism and what might come next. Participants will be invited to consider the power they wield as consumers making conscious choices.
Course outline
- The when, why and how of design’s beginnings. We explore the origins and nature of design and follow its trajectory to the Middle Ages.
- The industrialisation of design. We survey the evolution of design through the Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, the Werkbund, Bauhaus, and Art Deco.
- The truth about Modernism. We investigate ‘good design’ in Europe, Britain, Scandinavia and United States and consider its stamina.
- The globalisation of design. We examine Post Modernism and rampant consumerism through to the digital revolution, and reflect on the role design, and its consumers, can play in creating a sustainable future.
Expected learning outcomes
- Gain a deeper understanding of what distinguishes human beings from other species (while asking if that makes us superior).
- Consider the evidence that design is the oldest profession.
- Appreciate the creative continuum that has shaped the ‘stuff’ of life' as our societies and economies have evolved.
- Recognise the power and responsibility we each have to shape our future
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in the 'stuff' of lie and what we make of ourselves.
About the tutor
Michael Smythe spent 30-something years as an industrial design practitioner before completing a Master of Design Management. Having equipped himself to strategize the future, he was invited to teach design history to Bachelor of Product Design students – “because, Michael, you were there for quite a bit of it”. This led to writing NEW ZEALAND BY DESIGN: a history of New Zealand product design (Best First Book of Non-Fiction at the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards). This was followed by GIFFORD JACKSON New Zealand Industrial Design Pathfinder (2013), and DESIGN GENERATION: how Peter Haythornthwaite shaped New Zealand’s design-led enterprise (2018). He is now working on a book that has a more global perspective.
