Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change

by Victor Papanek

Overview

Design for the Real World has, since its first appearance twenty-five years ago, become a classic. Translated into twenty-three languages, it is one of the world's most widely read books on design. In this edition, Victor Papanek examines the attempts by designers to combat the tawdry, the unsafe, the frivolous, the useless product, once again providing a blueprint for sensible, responsible design in this world which is deficient in resources and energy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897331531
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/30/2005
Edition description:	2nd ed., completely rev
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	967,618
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Although most of Dr. Papanek's work had been in product design, his background included architecture and anthropology. He taught or chaired departments at universities in Canada, the United States, Denmark, Sweden and England. In recognition of his work to create a closer understanding between the impoverished Third World and technologically advanced countries, he was nominated for the Alternative Nobel Prize. In 1981 he received the ICSID/Kyoto Honours Award for his development of a communications device for the governments of Tanzania and Nigeria. He was also senior design consultant to Volvo of Sweden, to the government of Papua New Guinea and to a medical lighting firm in Australia. From 1981 he was permanent J.L. Constant Distinguished Professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Dr. Papanek died in 1998.

Editorial Reviews

"Thoroughly provocative." — Time


"The book is wonderfully alive, and full of examples to instruct, amuse or horrify. The enthusiasm and verbal exuberance of Papanek as he rips away the pretensions, hypocrisises and vices of the real world are always stimulating." — Arthur Conway, New Scientist

From the Publisher

"Much of the pleasure...derives from his vivid imagery and the directness with which he expresses his very strong views."

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