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 It includes new interviews with Bonsiepe and his original, previously unpublished texts, structured into three sections: design theory and practice, design at the periphery, and design in relation to literacy and language.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: Hardback
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 interplay between national design traditions and practices in Latin American countries and those of the core - Western European and American design. In his writings from this era, Bonsiepe delves into the concept of design at the periphery, examining how design can contribute to social and cultural transformation in underdeveloped regions.

The final section comprises selections of Bonsiepe's writings on design in relation to literacy and language, visuality and cognition. Bonsiepe's insights into the relationship between design and these fundamental aspects of human experience offer a profound understanding of the power experience and its impact on society. This indispensable volume includes not only new interviews with Bonsiepe but also his original, previously unpublished texts, providing a deeper insight into his thought processes and the evolution of his design philosophy.

In conclusion, this volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of design, culture, and society. By presenting a comprehensive selection of Bonsiepe's writings, it sheds light on his influential contributions to the field and his ongoing influence on contemporary design practices. Bonsiepe's work continues to inspire and challenge us to think critically about the role of design in shaping our world world and to strive for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Weight: 932g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350162457