World Design Day 2017

April 27 marks the anniversary of International Council of Design and is celebrated worldwide as World Design Day. As stated on their website, it’s an opportunity to recognize the value of design and its capacity for change in the world.

On a personal level, design has given us so many things in life. It granted us a living and a passion, friendships and families. And on a much larger scale, design gives us a common ground with the world’s most renowned designers with such strong perspectives and distinct styles which affect how we view and do our jobs. Here are 4 of them whose work and influence we admire highly.

Dame Zaha Hadid (1950-2016)

The Iraqi-born British architect is globally known for her use of complex geometry to create sculptural landmarks that redefined 21st century architecture of design. Her fluid style and preference once might have been considered ahead of its time, but it became more and more feasible as construction technology progressed.

Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan (2012) - Source: archdaily.com © Hufton+Crow

Beyond Hadid’s innovative take on architecture, her rich, often dramatic drawings and paintings of conceptual architectural ideas had lives of their own, having been displayed as works of art all over the world.

Her spectacular body of work over the 39-year span of her career was testament of her commitment in constructing her ideas into reality, which inspires us all to strive for the absolute best in design and build.

“I don’t think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think.” - Dame Zaha Hadid

Source: architectsjournal.co.uk

Josef Müller-Brockmann (1914-1996)

Müller-Brockmann is best known for his simple design and clean use of typography. He was the main force behind Swiss Style, a universal graphic expression that used a grid-based design that avoided subjective feelings and excessive illustrations.

Viva Musica poster series, Switzerland (1951-1961)

Having had studied architecture during his early years, one of Müller-Brockmann’s most valuable contributions in graphic design was the invention of grid system, a bridge between art and communication that allowed complete freedom of expression within rigid, orderly structures. 

“The grid system is an aid, not a guarantee. It permits a number of possible uses and each designer can look for a solution appropriate to his personal style. But one must learn how to use the grid; it is an art that requires practice.” - Josef Müller-Brockmann

Source: famousgraphicdesigners.org

Phillippe Starck (born 1949)

The French designer is internationally known for his wide range of designs which encompasses interior, product and architecture. He designs practically everything from rooms to furnitures, from boats to watches.

Delano South Beach Hotel, USA (1995) - Source: klassikmagazine.com

Starck is most notable for his ability to deliver different aesthetics according to each project’s requirements while keeping his signature use of fluid, organic forms and subtle, playful details. His take on design is inspiringly classic, yet light-hearted.

“A designer has a duty to create timeless design. To be timeless you have to think really far into the future, not next year, not in two years but in 20 years minimum.” - Phillippe Starck

Source: britannica.org

Paul Rand (1914-1996)

Often dubbed the Father of Modern Grahic Design, the American designer is known for crafting logo and identity designs for a large number of national and multinational companies such as ABC, UPS and IBM. His work for the latter is still very much relevant and in use today as it was 6 decades ago.

Logos created by Paul Rand - Source: everystevejobsvideo.com

Influenced by painters and architects such as Kandinsky and Le Corbusier, Rand’s concept of good design demonstrated that graphic design can, and should, be both beautiful and functional.

He is also considered as one of the first designers to shed a light on the importance of creating identity systems and consistent branding through the development of graphic standard manuals.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” - Paul Rand

Source: wired.com

We very much respect their influences which transcended space, time, disciplines and inspired us in designing tomorrow together.

View our profile to find out more about Kamarupa Design Group and its vision.