Nomadic Furniture 2

by James Hennessey, Victor Papanek

More about how to build and where to buy lightweight furniture that folds, inflates, knocks down, stacks, or is disposable and can be recycled - with many easy to follow illustrations.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Woodwork, Architecture

153 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1974

Reviews

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never read anything about 'nomadic furniture' before this, so I have nothing to compare this to. The manuscript layout design and minimalist ethos reminded me of Be Here Now. I was expecting an expansive collection of DIY furniture designs, but was surprised to find that nearly half of the book serves as a catalog for where to purchase pieces, i.e. both the 'Sound' and 'Light' sections. I found the seating and storage designs most interesting and wish they were expanded.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that my excitement over the idea of this book, was bigger than the book itself. I love the concept, and it was fun to flip through, but something makes me think that Nomadic Furniture (#1) is the way to go. Book 2 seems to just be a follow up with now very outdated resources.

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A. More Great Projects.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

About 1/3 of the book deals with obsolete stereo, obsolete lighting and other similar products. It does have some interesting design ideas.

[Ray A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely more 'buildable" projects than the first book, with plenty of excellent design influence discussions.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have been awesome in 1974, when it was published. Now, it's just a lot of oohing and aahing over some seriously outdated technology. You know, like cassette tapes and film cameras. Now granted, there is still a place in the world for camera (I still miss my Zeiss Ikoflex), but this book seems to be a hastily slapped together appendix to the first volume.
Borrow it from the library for a fun afternoon flipping through the pages of 70's nostalgia, but that's about it.