Design History Handbook

by Domitilla Dardi (Editor), Vanni Pasca (Editor)

An overarching vision of the development of design Dedicated to the history of design from the mid-19th century to the present, Design History Handbook provides guidelines for the development of design, offering an overarching vision of the subject and at the same time highlighting areas for future investigation.

It is in the mid-19th century that we can discover the professional figure of the designer, thus marking the birth of modern and contemporary design. From there the figure of the designer unfolds and branches off, embracing many in addition to the field of furniture―which often exemplifies the broadest lines of design―other sectors are considered here, from technical objects to graphics, from fashion to car design. In particular, attention is focused on the influence of the art world, with its array of avant-garde ideas that has gone hand-in-hand with original design.

Along with the chronological story, Design History Handbook presents a diachronic approach in which, through in-depth graphics, the story of a single type, material or concept detaches from its historical place to create relationships with similar phenomena of other periods. The volume reproduces 300 color images, many with lavish captions elaborating on each story and leaving room for the reader’s interpretation.

Genres: Design

279 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the entire thing in a weekend because I just couldn’t stop reading. So many insights and so many interesting information about design, culture and culture around design. It really helped me be more attentive to my designing and the reason why I design. 10/10 must read for any designer.

[Yokusun Basi]

Design History Handbook by Domitilla Dardi (2019)