Radical: Italian Design 1965-1985, The Dennis Freedman Collection

Radical design was a design movement in 1960s Italy that challenged modernism and explored new possibilities for visual transformation in the urban environment. This movement was led by young Italian architects and designers who used alternative materials and an innovative formal vocabulary. The book "Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985" showcases the work of these pioneering designers through nearly 70 objects and architectural models, and includes interviews with seven Radical designers and architects to offer fresh insights into the movement.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 04 February 2020
\n Publisher: Yale University Press
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In the mid-1960s, a group of young Italian architects and designers emerged as a response to the social and political turmoil that was sweeping across their country. They sought to challenge the dominant modernist aesthetic and explore new possibilities for shaping the urban landscape. This movement, known as "Radical design," encompassed a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, furniture, and lighting.

The proponents of Radical design believed that design could be a powerful tool for social change and transformation. They sought to break away from the traditional forms and materials of modernism and explore new ways of creating objects that were both functional and visually striking. One of the key features of Radical design was its use of alternative materials. Designers experimented with a wide range of materials, including plastic, fiberglass, and metal, in order to create new forms and shapes that were not possible with traditional materials. This led to the creation of iconic pieces such as the "Papillon" chair by Charlotte Perriand and the "Superonda" table by Ettore Sottsass.

Another hallmark of Radical design was its innovative formal vocabulary. Designers sought to create new visual languages that were both expressive and accessible to a wider audience. They experimented with bold colors, geometric patterns, and unconventional shapes in order to create objects that were both visually stimulating and functional. This led to the creation of iconic buildings such as the Pirelli Tower in Milan by Giuseppe Pettinari and the Polytechnic University of Milan by Renzo Piano.

Radical design also had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of 1960s Italy. It challenged the conservative values of the post-war era and promoted a more open and inclusive society. The movement was particularly popular among young people, who were seeking to break away from the traditional norms and explore new ways of living and thinking. It also had a significant influence on the international design scene, with many designers and architects around the world adopting its principles and techniques.

Despite its successes, Radical design was not without its critics. Some critics argued that it was too experimental and avant-garde, and that it lacked a coherent aesthetic or philosophical framework. Others argued that it was too focused on form over function and that its objects were often impractical and difficult to use. Despite these criticisms, Radical design remains a significant and influential movement in the history of design. It has inspired countless designers and architects around the world and has played a crucial role in shaping the modernist aesthetic.

In conclusion, Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985 is a groundbreaking exhibition that explores the work of a group of young Italian architects and designers who were at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement. Through a collection of nearly 70 objects and architectural models, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the aesthetic inspiration and changing cultural mores that informed the movement. The book, which accompanies the exhibition, includes seven interviews with Radical designers and architects, offering fresh insights into the individuals who were at the vanguard of this groundbreaking movement. Radical design remains a significant and influential movement in the history of design, and this exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the field.

\n Weight: 1740g\n
Dimension: 250 x 315 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780300247497\n \n