73471 - History of Industrial Design T-II

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have knowledge of the history of design culture at the object scale, and, from a historical and critical perspective, the main themes of design culture related to the production of objects, spanning from the mid-last century to the present day. Special attention will be given to the relationships with the history of techniques connected to design, contemporary architecture history and its languages, and the history of art.

Course contents

The course traces the history of design from the early 20th century to the present day and examines the history of industrial production through its objects. The history of design will be presented as the history of international material culture, with a particular focus on the intersections between architecture, art, politics, ecology, and society during the 20th century. The lessons will primarily focus on global contexts in Europe and beyond.

By the end of the course, the class will have gained a solid understanding of the history of 20th-century design. Additionally, critical tools will be provided to read and analyze the most significant events in the history of European and global design. The class will be able to place the numerous objects born from 20th-century industrial production within specific material cultures, geographies, and chronologies. They will also understand the dynamics of artistic, architectural, and social movements that have had a significant influence on the history of design and the production of industrial objects.

The course's objective is also to introduce the class to the historiography and literature on the discipline of design, offering readings, in-depth studies, and thematic seminars with experts.

Expected outcomes at the end of the course:

• Ability to independently conduct and present historical-critical research using the indicated methodology.
• Recognizing and critically interpreting (within its historical context) a design project.
• The ability to connect topics with each other and create links and relationships.
• The ability to express and articulate the topics covered and use a scientific and appropriate language.
• Narrative and critical analysis skills of the topics covered

Readings/Bibliography

It is recommended to study the manual:

Domitilla Dardi, e Vanni Pasca. Manuale di storia del design. Cinisello Balsamo: Silvana Editoriale, 2019.

Other recommended readings:

Adrian Forty. Objects of Desire. Design and Society since 1750. London: Thames & Hudson, 1987 (ristampa 2005).

Beatriz Colomina, e Mark Wigley. Are We Human? Notes on an Archeology of Design. Zürich: Lars Müller Publishers, 2016.

Deyan Sudjic. Il linguaggio delle cose. Roma-Bari: Laterza, 2009.

Fiell Charlotte, and Fiell Peter, Design of the 20 century, Köln: Taschen, 2001.

Fiorella Bulegato, e Elena Dellapiana. Il design degli architetti italiani 1920–2000. Milano: Electa, 2014.

Maurizio Vitta. Il progetto della bellezza: il design tra arte e tecnica dal 1851 a oggi. Torino: Einaudi, 2011.

Peter Dormer. Design Since 1945. London: Thames and Hudson, 1993.

Renato De Fusco. Storia del design. Roma-Bari: Laterza, tutte le edizioni.

Additional readings and resources (essays, articles, books, videos, websites) will be provided by the instructor on a lesson-by-lesson basis on the Virtual platform.

Teaching methods

The course will be conducted through traditional lectures with the use of images and videos to enhance the presentation of the topics. For each topic, recommended readings of articles and essays will be provided by the instructor. Additionally, seminars with expert guests and educational excursions will be organized as part of the course.

Assessment methods

The oral interview will cover the topics discussed in class. It will take into account the ability to present, make references to recommended in-depth readings, and critically connect various course topics.

The classroom exercises focus on the methodology of historical research, particularly on an industrial design object (whether well-known or anonymous) selected by the candidate. The goal of the exercises is to critically examine and write critically about an object (identifying its historical, technical-production, formal, and market coordinates, as well as providing a historical-critical framework) to be presented during the exam.

The exam is oral to evaluate the student's ability to discuss course topics and express themselves using appropriate vocabulary.

Teaching tools

Lesson slides, in-depth readings (articles, book chapters, videos, etc.).

Office hours

See the website of Pelin Bolca