MOMA Design Encyclopedia
Since it’s a lazy Saturday on the patio for me I thought I’d take a look at The Design Encyclopedia published by The Museum of Modern Art. Released in June of last year this book is the 15 year project of author Mel Byars with cooperation from an international cast of design pros. It’s a beast for sure at 832 pages, but if you want to know everything about design this is the book to read.
Though design considerations are applicable across numerous industries and genres, this book focuses on design’s direct influence on functional objects. The book is meant to be a factual description of the history of design covering the last 130 years in the design of furniture, lighting, fabrics, ceramics, glassware, metalware, objects in a range of other materials, and mechanical, electrical, and electronic appliances, as well as automobiles and some inventions.
There are separate entries from designers and craftspeople, design studios, consortiums and partnerships, noteworthy manufacturers, significant historical periods and styles, and materials.
So needless to say, The Design Encyclopedia is an amazing resource for everything you might ever want to know about design. I think exploring the history and key players of the design world make owning and pursuing things for our homes more exciting and more meaningful. No matter where I get something from, whether I can afford an original, a knock-off, or whatever, this book adds insight to my choices and I end up appreciating the things I buy a little more.
And if you just want to look design savvy, this hunk-o-book on your coffee table will surely do the trick.
