69503 - History of Design (1)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to prepare the student to understand the most important phenomena related to design, understood as an industrial product with artistic, social and economic value. At the end of the course, the student will be able to identify the problems related to each phase of the process of creation of a work (ideation, manufacturing, communication, sale and consumption), and acquire the skills needed to develop a historical and critical discourse that deals not only with the design-object itself, but also with its social, economic and artistic aspects.

Course contents

The course begins with an introductory overview aimed at providing students with the tools needed for a first approach to the discipline. The lessons will monographically treat designers, works and/or events of particular significance for the history of industrial design. The period that mostly will be taken into consideration is that of the recent decades, which have seen a progressive intensification of relations with the world of fashion, creating collaborations that are a major focus of the course.

Readings/Bibliography

G. D'Amato, Storia del design, Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2005.

P. Sparke, Interni moderni. Spazi pubblici e privati dal 1850 a oggi, Einaudi, Torino 2008.

R. De Fusco, Made in Italy. Storia del design italiano, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2010.

Teaching methods

The course foresees lectures dedicated to the theory of design, but is mostly dedicated to the analysis of case studies considered of particular significance. 

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview whose objective is to evaluate the methodological and critical skills acquired by the student. The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the issues addressed during lessons and their critical use, demonstrating mastery of specific language will be assessed with the highest mark. Mechanical and/or mnemonic knowledge; non-articulated synthesis and analysis of issues and/or correct language, but not always appropriate, will lead to discrete results; training gaps and/or inappropriate language - although in a context of minimal knowledge of the course themes - will lead to outcomes that will not exceed the sufficiency. Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance within the reference materials offered during the course will not allow the student to pass the exam.

Office hours

See the website of Ines Tolic