Project Brief: An Exploration of the Past in the Present for the Future

Clas-sic (kla-sik) adj.
Belonging to the highest rank or class
Serving as the established model or standard
Having lasting significance or worth; enduring
Formal, refined and restrained in style
Simple and harmonious; elegant like the classic cut of a suit.
(http://www.lenovoblogs.com/designmatters/2006/09/what-makes-a-design-classic/)

Within the world of design of the past century or so, some take the honor of being "classic", while others feel dated, or worse, forgotten. From furniture to fonts, what is it about these design classics that create a sense of value generation after generation? Is there a set of conventions that carry across different design categories to create classics? Some designs, despite being dated today, carry the instant feeling of an era. What is the value of such time capsules today beyond a page in the history books?


My intention for this project is to explore these concepts in relation to sustainability. Some designers today feel that a pursuit of more "classic" and "timeless" design features combined with the use of more durable materials is the ideal path to a greener future marked by less consumption. But in a more mobile world with rapidly changing needs, is this realistic? Can designs motivate us to treasure objects more and consume less or do our lifestyles trump any real behavior change? Should safe disposability be more of a focus than the creation of heirloom culture?

My former co-worker's trendy (yet ironically named?) clothing company.

The answer may not be as simple as one or the other. Smart hybridization is another concept worth exploring within this arena. Examining the life cycle of certain things or the lifestyles of certain types of people may inform designers to make better choices in this regard. Can we make classic designs adaptable to the feeling of each era? Can we re-incorporate dated designs to create fun and daring new combinations?

For this project, I hope to investigate these concepts in a visual way that provokes conversation, proposes answers, examines those who have provided answers, and perhaps even raises new questions for the future.

What some people have had to say about it:

From 2009:
http://www.dwell.com/articles/compostmodern-09-saul-griffith-demands-heirloom-design.html

From 1999:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/what-makes-a-design-classic-1115520.html

From 1985:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-05-19/news/8501310660_1_eames-chair-design-classic