Origin of the term “Industrial Design”
Up until the 1930‘s, much of what is today called industrial design was considered “Decorative Art“. It was only after WWII that it became known as “Industrial Design“.
What characterizes the postwar period?
During the second world war a big part of the Italian construction legacy had been destroyed, so it was important to find new ideas to reconstruct the country: this was an interesting challenge for designers and architects who were called to renew Italian dwelling places in a technical and functional way.
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/e0c9861a-e823-4abc-82ad-b4a050afecae
Which ideologies characterizes design in 1950’s?
In the 1950’s, Italian design took a crucial turn from the technical, formal and artistic point of view. These projects were known to be very competitive, striving for innovation and creativity.
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/68237ebf-137f-406c-98dd-d345633be548
What characterizes italian design in 1950?
In 1950’s industrial objects became a symbol of this new renaissance period; Italy suddenly found out that modernity means welfare, comfort and a best type quality of life.
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/883b9990-082c-4428-be09-51c830460f97
What was produced in this period?
A long series of new projects confirmed this research in terms of functionality and elegance. The research was applied to every day objects, from sewing machines, portable fans, motorcycle goggles, to unusual designs such as slanted soup plates.
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/c8a1507e-dfc5-4680-bbbb-a26c7019c0fd
Who were the greatest designers of the 50’s?
Some important names of the period to mention are Franco Albini, Ignazio Gardella, Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Vico Magistretti, Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanuso, Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni and the BBPR group (Banfi, Belgiojoso, Peressutti, Rogers).
Image source: https://www.cassina.com/it/en/products/maralunga-40.html?coatingItem=E-E447#675-maralunga-40_26025
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/662ebc09-8f44-44c6-ab24-fe2ccf476cb9
Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/ff041a16-b11e-4478-9324-dbb248af6a7d
Info source:
For more references, please also visit: http://www.jbdesign.it/idesignpro