Philippe Starck: "Design is Dead"

Designer Philippe Starck makes the claim that "Design is Dead" in a ZIET interview from March 27th. From my perspective, I see this a a possible instance of a big name designer working to create PR buzz for personal gain. I might be wrong. In fairness, I don't now Philippe, so that's probably not fair. As you read the article, it becomes apparent Phillipe is an intelligent man. His work as an industrial designer is worthy of attention and respect.

The interview resonated with me.

About 7 years ago I made a career change for nearly the same reasons. I was increasingly tired of doing and creating things with virtually no redeeming value. In my case, I was called into Christian ministry. Though I don't know where Starck's motivation lies for making such a claim, I could relate with his interview based on my desire to do something more important with my giftedness. His comments and the interview in general are certainly important, and add greatly to the discussion on consumerism. Something I have found myself wrestling with of late — here, here and here.

Here's a quote from the interview:

ZEIT: So why, then, have you become an industrial designer in the first place?

P.S.: That is an interesting question. And I haven't found an answer to it for myself yet. Look, I have designed so many things without ever really being interested in them. Maybe all these years were necessary for me to ultimatively recognize that we, after all, don't need anything. We always have too much stuff.

Read the rest of this article translated into English here—unless German's your preference, in which case here's the original ZEIT interview.

( via mademoisellea's vox spot )

Fast Company: 2007 Masters of Design

Innovation and inspiration. Beauty and profit. Management and creativity. Fast Company October 2007 reports on the intersection of business and design. The online version has multimedia and a ton of things the print version does not (and visa versa, I know, as I finally broke down and subscribed). You can also find archives for years 2004, 2005 and 2006. Masters feature Yves Behar, Bob Greenberg, Sam Lucente (my favorite), Paola Antonelli and Philippe Starck. The website also includes resources, green design, elements of design and a newcomers section. What are you waiting for? Now get yer learnin' on.

( via Cameron Moll's Premium Linkage )