Design as Art

Design as Art, written by Italian artist Bruno Munari (1907-1998), one of the most innovative and prominent designers of the 20 th century, is a classic that explores the artistic possibilities of modern design, the relationship between art and design, beauty and functionality, artist and society, and why so many artists have turned into designers. With a simple yet well-humored writing style, Design as Art, published originally in 1971, exposes Munari’s ideas that design should be beautiful, functional and accessible.

To the author, we live in an era where there is no longer a distinction between pure art and applied art. In this context, with his work method and technical knowledge, the designer reestablishes a long-lost contact between art and the public, focusing on solutions for society’s needs without disregarding aesthetics or functionality during the creative process. For this purpose, Munari demonstrates how color, shape, material and other elements relate to the meaning and the functionality of objects or visual communication pieces.

“His playful, inquiring, socially aware intelligence mark him as what we would now call a ‘critical designer.’ The great charm and delicacy of his writing makes the humanity and good sense of his arguments even harder to resist.” – Icon

“Munari is the new Leonardo.” – Picasso

About the author
Bruno Munari (1907-1998), born in Milan, was one of the most innovative and prominent designers of the twentieth century. Besides his notoriety as an industrial and graphic designer, Munari also explored painting, sculpture, cinema and poetry. He was one of the main exponents of Italian Futurism, and the founder of the Concrete Art Movement. Munari designed countless objects, lamps, ashtrays, televisions, espresso coffee machines and toys, as well as his famous “useless machines.” He was twice awarded the Compasso d’Oro, a prestigious prize that recognizes excellence in design. Munari sought beauty, functionality and accessibility in his creations, defending that design should reestablish the connection between art and the public. Writing was among his many talents, a field in which he also distinguished himself. Design as Art is his most well-known work, a design classic that is influential to this day in the entire world.

Specifications
Title Design como arte [Design as Art]
Author Bruno Munari
Translator Feiga Fiszon
Language Portuguese
Page count 272
Publisher Cobogó
ISBN 978-65-5691-140-3
Cover Rara Dias and Mari Taboada
Design Mari Taboada
Format Softcover
Size 14 x 21 cm
Year 2024