The Disobedience of Design: Gui Bonsiepe

This volume presents a curated selection of writings by Gui Bonsiepe, a design thinker from the 1960s to the present day, addressing non-Western design and a radical and democratic practice. It includes new interviews with Bonsiepe and his original, previously unpublished texts, structured into three sections: design theory and practice, design at the periphery, and design in relation to literacy and language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive volume presents, for the first time in English, a curated selection of writings by the renowned design thinker Gui Bonsiepe, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. Addressing critical issues of non-Western design and a design practice that is both radical and democratic, Bonsiepe's work has gained renewed significance in the context of current debates inspired by global political and environmental crises. The anthology is structured into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on Bonsiepe's prolific career.

The first section delves into Bonsiepe's contributions to design theory and practice, particularly in relation to the history and contemporary relevance of the Ulm Design School, where he served as a professor in the 1960s. Through his writings, Bonsiepe explores the evolution of design thinking and its application in various contexts, shedding light on the enduring influence of the Ulm school and its impact on the global design community.

The second section showcases Bonsiepe's writings after his move to South America in the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, he worked as a design consultant for the Allende government in Chile, a role that allowed him to observe firsthand the intersection of design and politics in Latin American countries. In his writings from this era, Bonsiepe delves into the concept of design at the periphery, examining how national design traditions and practices in Latin America relate to those of the core - Western European and American design. He also explores the role of design in promoting literacy and language, as well as the relationship between visuality and cognition.

The final section comprises selections of Bonsiepe's writings on design in relation to literacy and language, visuality and cognition. These writings highlight Bonsiepe's profound insights into the power of design to shape cultural and societal contexts. The volume also includes new interviews with Bonsiepe, providing a deeper understanding of his thought processes and the broader implications of his work.

In addition to the original texts, this indispensable volume includes previously unpublished materials, offering a rare glimpse into the mind work of this influential design thinker. Gui Bonsiepe's contributions to design have had a profound impact on the field, and this anthology serves as a valuable resource for scholars, designers, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of design, culture, and society.

Weight: 804g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350162440