Young Designers in Chicago Push a New National Movement in Design
One of the latest movements in the design world revolves around the design club. These organizations aim to provide a community as well as resources and exhibit opportunities for those who find themselves alone, after graduating from school for example. Along with New York City and Seattle, Chicago is one of the cities at the forefront of this movement, thanks to the Object Design League which was founded in early 2009 by SAIC alums Lisa Smith and Caroline Linder (both MDDO ‘08). To learn more about how (and why) this trend is gaining momentum, check out Lisa’s article at Core77.
November 18th, 2009
Designing “Good Enough” over “Great” Products: Can We Take Innovation Too Far?
In a recent issue of Wired magazine, Robert Capps details the success of the “good enough” product over that of the “great,” while Gary Wolf discusses why craigslist is “a failure” due to its adherence to a primitive interface and infrastructure. While designers have generally been pushed to either continously improve upon that which exists or create that which never existed, a fundamental question arises out of this situation: should that which is not broken be “fixed.” Is innovation always necessary? Read the two articles and decide for yourself.
October 29th, 2009
SAIC Chapter of IDSA Up and Running
By Laura Goetz
Our own student chapter of the Industrial Design Society of America recently had its first meeting of the year on October 7. Elections took place and the officers elected were: Lynn Lim, Chair; David Krell and Neva Everett, Co-Vice Chairs; and Eric Hotchkiss and Daniel Sommer, Co-Treasurers. The chapter is quickly putting together a schedule of events in an attempt to make design fun during rare free time. Join us on October 21 for our first event - a screening of an episode of the BBC’s new reality design show, Design for Life, hosted by Philippe Starck. For time and location details and to learn more about what’s going on, join the IDSA@SAIC group on Facebook or email idsasaic@gmail.com.
October 20th, 2009
The Future of Design Conference: October 9-10
The University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is hosting 30 designers, critics, and thinkers. During October 9-10, 2009, these experts will talk about how design is evolving across the disciplines of architecture, and landscape architecture as well as interactive, industrial, and interior design. Free and open to the public, the invited speakers will give 15-minute presentations, while faculty and students will moderate dinner discussions. For more information and to register, please visit the website.
September 28th, 2009
If you missed the midday musing lecture: Chris Palmer (he was pretty amazing)
The AIADO department hosted Chirs Palmer for a midday musing lecture on September 15th. The presentation was impressive and appealed to many disciplines as he wowed the audience with his fabric folding skills. Please check out his work on his website, http://www.shadowfolds.com/.
September 28th, 2009
Is it alive?: The structure over the U2 stage
If you packed yourself in with 70,000+ U2 fans at Soldier Field this month to see the 2009 360 Degree World Tour you couldn’t help but notice the elaborate stage. The ufo/insect like structure was designed by Mark Fisher Studio and its primary function was to protect the band members from the elements, including sun and snow. You can read more about the stage and the design process at http://www.architen.com/projects/u2-world-tour-fabric-stage-system.
September 28th, 2009
The Storefront for Art and Architecture, New York City
It’s not worth a trip, but next time you’re in New York City check for exhibits at the Storefront for Art and Architecture. The space is off the beaten path between Soho and Little Italy. The most unique part about the façade redesign, by artist Vito Acconci and architect Steven Holl, is that the exterior walls twist and flip on the vertical or horizontal access, allowing the building to open to the sidewalk. The Storefront plays host to exhibitions by designers and architects as well as lectures and discussions. For more information about location and exhibits please visit the website. http://www.storefrontnews.org/
September 28th, 2009
