Willy Guhl: Thinking with Your Hands

Willy Guhl was a pioneer of modern design who created world-famous furniture such as the Eternit garden chair or Europes first plastic shell chair. He developed a holistic design approach oriented to human beings and their needs, and collaborated with Swiss companies such as Dietiker, Eternit, and Aebi. This first comprehensive monograph illuminates his legacy in the context of his design and teaching practice, and offers a complete index of all design projects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

Willy Guhl, a pioneer of modern design, left an indelible mark on the world of furniture with his iconic creations. Among his renowned works are the Eternit garden chair and the Europes first plastic shell chair. Guhl's approach to design was rooted in modernism, diverging from the traditional Heimatstil. After World War II, he embraced a holistic design philosophy that prioritized human needs and functionality. His everyday objects were characterized by simplicity and a focus on the essential, reflecting his belief in reducing excess.

In collaboration with Swiss companies like Dietiker, Eternit, and Aebi, Guhl designed a range of seating furniture, planters, and mowing machines. His designs showcased the innovation and creativity that characterized the post-war design industry. Guhl's teaching methods and his extensive image archive also serve as a testament to the changing professional image of industrial designers during that era.

As a teacher and later head of the class for interior and product design at the Zurich School of Arts and Crafts from 1941 to 1980, Guhl influenced generations of Swiss designers, including Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut, and Andreas Christen. He imparted his design knowledge through hands-on demonstrations, model-making, and storytelling, encouraging his students to explore and experiment with materials and technologies.

This first comprehensive monograph delves into Guhl's legacy within the context of his design and teaching practice, as well as contemporary theories of the design discipline. It serves as a thematically structured catalog of his works, providing a comprehensive index of all his design projects. Through sketches, plans, and photographs, the book showcases Guhl's exploratory working method and his deep passion for materials and technology, which is evident in his selection of exemplary student works.

Willy Guhl's contributions to modern design continue to inspire and influence designers worldwide. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of simplicity, functionality, and human-centered design, and his innovative approach to teaching has left a lasting impact on the field.

Weight: 1450g
Dimension: 233 x 285 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037787151