Western industrial design for 300 years

Author: Adrian Hayes
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: This book provides an analysis of industrial design over three centuries since the 18th century, with a narrative that is consistently captivating. While vividly describing iconic inventions of the era, such as textile factories, light bulbs, and computers, it combines rich illustrations with detailed analyses of their milestone designs, many of which have been passed down almost unchanged through generations. The book groups the designed products by four materials—wood, glass, metal, and ceramics—and arranges them in chronological order. The meticulously analyzed products include traditional teapots, baby bottles, gardening wooden baskets, Windsor chairs, outdoor thermometers, and many other design treasures. Each analysis of the design products is contextualized within its time, supported by technical drawings and photographs. The combination of these methods leads to a clear explanation of the complex and ever-changing relationships between design and manufacturing, formation and function, as well as materials, manufacturing methods, and environmental conditions.