Know about American industrial design and the contribution of Norman Bel Geddes in popularising modern styles
Learn about American industrial design of the 20th century, particularly the work of Norman Bel Geddes.
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Transcript
In 1920s America, the Great Depression effectively erased consumer demand. Struggling manufacturers needed new ways to get people buying again. Innovative production process is like stamping and use of molds allowed them to use new materials for their designs.
Products using vinyl, chrome, aluminum, and plywood began appearing. American Industrial Designers began introducing streamlined, efficient shapes that shouted progress. Bel Geddes pioneered what we know refer to as Utilitarian Art. Things that had little reason to look sleek, now all of a sudden did. The 1939 World's Fair featuring Bel Geddes immensely popular Futurama exhibit, a new era of American Industrial Design proudly claimed to be Building the World of Tomorrow.
Americans found great positivity in these futuristic forms. Things were looking up.
American Industrial Designers realized that by making objects look great, people simply wanted them more. From cars to kitchen appliances, the most influential society on earth was spending money again. Mass consumption had arrived. Advertisers finally had lots to talk about. Personal taste could be expressed through the things you bought. Style became equally as important as function.
Chair designers like Eames and Saarinen didn't just design seating, they created desirable lifestyles. People behind the products suddenly were stars. Everyone wanted to know who they were. Raymond Loewy was one of the shining lights of American Industrial Design, his face ended up on every coffee table in the nation.
Toothpaste packaging promised whiter teeth. Washing powder packaging promised whiter whites. Who knew such simple household objects would shape the tastes and ambitions of an entire society? American Industrial Design improved America, functionally, culturally, and intellectually, and exported it around the globe.
Does American Industrial Design do it for you?
Products using vinyl, chrome, aluminum, and plywood began appearing. American Industrial Designers began introducing streamlined, efficient shapes that shouted progress. Bel Geddes pioneered what we know refer to as Utilitarian Art. Things that had little reason to look sleek, now all of a sudden did. The 1939 World's Fair featuring Bel Geddes immensely popular Futurama exhibit, a new era of American Industrial Design proudly claimed to be Building the World of Tomorrow.
Americans found great positivity in these futuristic forms. Things were looking up.
American Industrial Designers realized that by making objects look great, people simply wanted them more. From cars to kitchen appliances, the most influential society on earth was spending money again. Mass consumption had arrived. Advertisers finally had lots to talk about. Personal taste could be expressed through the things you bought. Style became equally as important as function.
Chair designers like Eames and Saarinen didn't just design seating, they created desirable lifestyles. People behind the products suddenly were stars. Everyone wanted to know who they were. Raymond Loewy was one of the shining lights of American Industrial Design, his face ended up on every coffee table in the nation.
Toothpaste packaging promised whiter teeth. Washing powder packaging promised whiter whites. Who knew such simple household objects would shape the tastes and ambitions of an entire society? American Industrial Design improved America, functionally, culturally, and intellectually, and exported it around the globe.
Does American Industrial Design do it for you?