Learning objectives
The primary objective of the module is to provide the basic historical-critical and interpretative tools for the analysis and understanding of the key themes of the project and of some of the main movements and protagonists (1st Dublin Descriptor); tools to be applied to conceive and support arguments (2nd Dublin Descriptor), as required in particular by the exercises and during the seminars. The student must be able to: use the acquired knowledge to formulate an independent critical judgment (3rd Dublin Descriptor); correctly use specific terminology to communicate critical thinking and project ideas (4th Dublin Descriptor); demonstrate the ability to investigate the topics studied in an autonomous and original way and read the complexity of the project (5th Dublin Descriptor).
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The History and Theory of Design module proposes an approach to the discipline organized by basic concepts allowing to range from the Industrial Revolution to today's objects. Some key themes - such as color, shape, the connection between the elements or the assembly techniques - will be investigated in a broad chronological perspective providing the student with the first interpretative and critical tools. This process is necessary to introduce the world of design as a whole: architecture, product design, graphics, and visual communication. The peculiar interdisciplinary approach of this integrated course allows assimilating the humanities both as interpretative and operational tools. The selected examples and the proposed exercises will also bring the student closer to the world of food design, the main theme of this course of study.
Full programme
Introduction. Textbooks, bibliography of the lessons and explanation of the exercises
COLOR
The socio-cultural values of color
English Design from the Industrial Revolution to the Crystal Palace 1851. Owen Jones
FORM
Arts and Crafts and William Morris
Charles R Mackintosh
Art Nouveau in Belgium and France
FOLD AND CUT
Thonet
Vienna, the Secession and Adolf Loos
America: Shakers, Wright, Styling
ART AND PROJECT
Artistic avant-garde
Expressionism, Futurism and Dada
Cubism, Russian Constructivism and De Stijl
Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus
Bibliography
Gabriella D’Amato, Storia del design, Mondadori, Milano 2005 (e edizione successiva).
Renato De Fusco, Storia del design, Laterza, Roma-Bari 1985 (e edizioni successive).
Elena Dellapiana, Guido Montanari, Una storia dell’architettura contemporanea, UTET, Torino 2015.
Optional textbooks:
Fiorella Bulegato, Elena Dellapiana, Il design degli architetti in Italia. 1920-2000, Electa, Milano 2014.
Domitilla Dardi, Vanni Pasca, Manuale di storia del design, Silvana Editoriale, Cinisello Balsamo 2019.
Matteo Vercelloni, Breve storia del design italiano, Carocci, Roma 2008.
Further bibliographical information will be provided in class.
Teaching methods
Lectures with images and videos; exercises leading to thematic seminars.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam on the whole program (lessons and bibliography), with possible request of elementary graphic examples and discussion about images.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
This course contributes to the realization of the UN objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
