Victor Papanek: Designer for the Real World

by Alison J Clarke

The history and controversial roots of the social design movement, explored through the life and work of its leading pioneer, Victor Papanek.

In Victor Designer for the Real World , Alison Clarke explores the social design movement through the life of its leading pioneer, the Austrian American designer, theorist, and activist Victor Papanek. Papanek's 1971 best seller, Design for the Real Human Ecology and Social Change has been translated into twenty-two languages and never fallen out of print. Its politics of social design, anti-corporatism, and environmental sustainability have found renewed pertinence in the twenty-first century and dominate the agendas of design schools today. Drawing extensively on previously unexplored archival sources, Clarke uncovers and contextualizes the movement's controversial origins and contradictions.

Genres: Design

360 pages, Hardcover

Published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was obviously thoroughly researched. It is invaluable as a resource for understanding 20th Century industrial design, as well as providing context for where we are right now, beyond design. By writing about Victor Papanek, Allison Clarke has demonstrated that the issues we face today are complex, and flawed figures often unjustly drive peoples perceptions of core issues. A challenge from the book is to dig deeper: work with people, be understanding, and also have patience with yourself.