The 1970s were born out of the turbulent late 60s, during which revolution and cultural unrest rocked society with lasting effects. Protest against cultural norms and establishments was characterized by militant outspokenness, and faith in consumerism dwindled as consumer society began to lose its luster-a disillusionment that deepened with two gasoline crises in 1977. But the decade has been equally distinguished as a period of strong social commitment, as manifested in both creative and functional designs. Organized into five themes, this book examines the works of international designers whose creations exemplify the period's diverse influences. Chapter 1 explores the sociological aspects of 1970s design, examining how ergonomically-focused designers maximized efficiency through the creation of multifunctional furniture and invented a new design vocabulary that clearly indicated an object's function. Chapter 2 focuses on the environmental consciousness that led to the birth of new-sometimes radical-ideas, notably the Scandinavian-inspired return from plastic to wood as a design material.The third chapter focuses on the design movement in Italy, led by Archizoom,Alchymia, and Gaetano Pesce. The fourth chapter examines a movement that originated in New York and London and was eventually epitomized by the creation of the Centre George Pompidou in Paris-a remarkable homage to the world of industry. In the final chapter, the author explores the period's interior design trends, focusing on artistic and decorative innovations in France.
The design of the 1970s was distinguished by a strong confluence of creativity and functionalism in furnishing and decor. We already recognize many '70s furniture designs as icons of mid-century modernism-and the proof is the prices they command at fine furniture auctions today.Bony examines the works of international designers whose creations exemplify this period, from the ergonomically-focused designers working in America to the pure design movement in Scandinavia and design innovators in Italy led by Archizoom, Alchymia, and Gaetano Pesce. This indispensable reference book chronicles the period's interior design trends with over 200 photographs focusing on artistic and decorative innovations that created the first intelligent and informed design conversation between two continents.
