“Design uses experiences from the past to create things for the present that look forward to the future.” (Clark & Brody, 2009, Design Studies: A Reader)
History is a subject for reflection. The quote above conveys a message about the complexity of design and the role it carries. A designer draws on past experiences (consciously or unconsciously) to create objects, graphic design, architecture, design systems and collaborations for the future. Why, then, is history often overlooked in the field of design, and specifically within education? This is not only about history as an isolated subject, but history as an understanding of contemporary time.
The lecture moves from antiquity to today, through perspectives on the past, present, and future, including design examples from around the world. The concept of time will be visible, as well as the idea of time as cycles. A key question is from what lens we use to view and what context we use to interpret. Hopefully, a bridge across time can spark an interest in knowledge, interpretation, perception, understanding and, the cultural heritage of design in a broader context.
The lecture is free of charge and open for all.
