International Design Organizations: Histories, Legacies, Values

This innovative volume explores the history and impact of national and international design organizations, highlighting their role in shaping the field and fostering global collaboration. It draws on research and evidence from a range of countries and disciplines, challenging the aims and achievements of these organizations in light of their past and present-day contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This groundbreaking volume brings together a distinguished group of international design scholars to explore the historical development and current status of national and international design organizations, spanning various design disciplines and operating in countries such as Argentina, Turkey, Estonia, Switzerland, Italy, China, and the United States. In the second half of the 20th century, a surge of non-governmental organizations emerged to address pressing cultural, economic, and welfare concerns. These design organizations aimed to establish an international consensus on the future direction of design, encompassing initiatives to enhance communication between professionals, educators, and practitioners, raise design standards, and foster communities of designers transcending linguistic, national, and political boundaries. Through a comprehensive examination of original research, archival sources, and oral testimonies, this volume critically assesses the aims and accomplishments of national and international design organizations in the context of their subsequent histories and their global reach.

The Cold War era assumes a central position in the book, while numerous chapters draw upon post-colonial perspectives to interpret how transnational networks and negotiations unfolded during events, congresses, and through publications. The volume delves into the complex dynamics and challenges faced by these organizations, shedding light on their contributions to shaping the field of design on a global scale.

In conclusion, this innovative volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of design studies by providing a comprehensive examination of the history and current status of national and international design organizations. It sheds light on the transformative power of design in addressing social, cultural, and economic issues, and highlights the crucial role played by these organizations in shaping the global design landscape.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350112513