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The design classics: guide to the most famous books

Il design it's not just a question of aesthetics: it is a discipline that profoundly influences our daily lives. If you are fascinated by the world of creativity or want to know more about how the objects we use every day were conceived, books are an essential starting point. The history of design is characterized by continuous changes, ranging from avant-garde to minimalist movements. Each book on this list will lead you to discover the concepts and philosophies that have transformed this field. Ecco 10 classics of design that cannot be missing from your library.

What are the most famous books on the history of design?

If you would like to explore the history and evolution of the design, some books are considered true classics. These texts offer a comprehensive view of the movements, of the philosophies and designers that have changed the way we see the world.

  1. “History of Design” by Charlotte Fiell and Peter Fiell: This volume is an exhaustive guide to the main movements of design and on the protagonists who made them famous. Perfect for those who want to have a complete overview of this universe.
  2. “The Design of Everyday Things” of Don Norman: A fundamental text for understanding the interaction between everyday objects and their functionality. Norman shows us how beauty is not enough, but it must be accompanied by practicality.
  3. “Design Culture: Ideas and philosophy of objects and furniture”: This book explores the evolution of objects and furniture, offering us a historical and philosophical vision of the forms that have changed our way of life.

Which books delve into the philosophy of objects?

Some texts not only tell the story of the design, but they delve deeper into the philosophy behind each creation, stimulating deeper reflection on what the objects we use really represent.

  1. “The Beauty of Everyday Things” at Soetsu Yanagi: Yanagi celebrates the beauty of common objects, showing how even the simplest tool can be extraordinarily significant when seen from a different perspective.
  2. “From What Comes What” by Bruno Munari: Munari is one of the most important figures of design Italian. In this book, invites us to explore the creative process, demonstrating how innovation often arises from experimentation.
  3. “25 Ways to Drive a Nail” by Enzo Mari: This provocative and ironic book by Mari demonstrates how simplicity and craftsmanship are essential in design. A work that invites us to reflect on the importance of doing with our hands.

Which books cover minimalism and functionality in design?

If you are fascinated by minimalism and functionality, some books explore these concepts, showing the importance of designing with attention to detail and practical needs.

  1. “Less but Better” on Dieter Rams: Rams, known for his minimalist style, explains how reducing to the essentials is the secret to creating objects durable and always current. This book is an invitation to eliminate the superfluous and focus on the essential.
  2. “Super Normal” di Naoto Fukasawa & Jasper Morrison: Fukasawa and Morrison explore the concept of “super normal”, showing how the simplest objects are often the ones that most influence our daily lives. A text that celebrates the beauty of the municipality.
  3. “Design Culture” by Enrico Morteo: A work that explores how the culture of design has developed and influenced society, with a particular focus on the importance of project Italian globally.
  4. “Design as Art” by Bruno Munari: Munari invites us to reflect on how the design can be considered an art form, transforming functional objects into true works that tell stories and arouse emotions.

Because reading these books can change the way you see the world?

Immerse yourself in the classics of design it allows you to see the world in a new light. Understanding how the objects around us were conceived makes you appreciate not only their beauty, but also theirs functionality. These books will provide you with a new perspective, allowing you to reflect on the value that the design adds to our daily lives, transforming what is common into something extraordinary.

If this trip has inspired you, don't stop there. Continue exploring this world following our blog to discover other reading tips and ideas to improve your creative approach.