How to Design a Revolution: The Chilean Road to Design

The "Chilean road to socialism" from 1970 to 1973 was a unique political experiment that offered a peaceful and democratic socialist change. This period resulted in powerful design that influenced social behavior, identity, and solidarity, demonstrating how design can influence political movements. How to Design a Revolution documents this visual language and its impact on social movements of the 1960s and 1970s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

From 1970 to 1973, Chile embarked on a remarkable political experiment, known as the "Chilean road to socialism." This unique approach aimed to bring about socialist change peacefully and with respect for existing democratic institutions. It offered a political third way, distinct from the models proposed by the United States and the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War. This brief yet impactful period in Chilean history resulted in a rich body of product and communication design that powerfully showcased the influence of design on social behavior, identity, and cohesion.

To capture the essence of this visual language, How to Design a Revolution offers a comprehensive exploration. The publication broadens the scope of study by delving into the influential and consequential visual languages of social (protest) movements of the 1960s and 1970s, including the Cuban Revolution, the Vietnam War, and May 68. It illustrates how design not only reflected the dynamics of this political moment but also became a powerful tool for political change.

The book features essays by renowned scholars and designers, including Pedro Alonso, Pedro Álvarez, Nicole Cristi, Francisca Espinosa, Mario Garcés, Michael Lemon, Eden Medina, Carlos Montes de Oca, Hugo Palmarola, Marian E. Schlotterbeck, Martin Tironi, Rita Torres, Camilo Trumper, and Peter Winn. Their insights and perspectives provide valuable perspectives on the role of design in shaping political movements and fostering solidarity and cohesion.

Through a series of case studies and visual analyses, How to Design a Revolution showcases the innovative and creative approaches employed by designers in Chile during this period. From posters and flyers to architectural designs and product packaging, the design pieces showcased in the book capture the spirit of the Chilean revolution and its commitment to social change.

The publication also offers a critical reflection on the legacy of this visual language and its impact on contemporary design practices. It explores how the lessons learned from the Chilean experiment can be applied to other social movements and political contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of design in shaping society and promoting positive social change.

In conclusion, How to Design a Revolution is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the extraordinary power of design to influence social behavior, identity, and cohesion. Through its comprehensive exploration of the Chilean visual language and its broader context, the book offers valuable insights into the role of design in shaping political movements and promoting positive social change. It is a must-read for designers, activists, and anyone interested in the intersection of design, politics, and society.

Dimension: 165 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037787335