Passionate, multi-channel, sustainable: design as narrated by the magazines

Marcela Fibbiani, editor of the Argentinian magazine 90+10 provides a broader view of where design is headed, championing more responsible consumption: crucial and underpinned by the great changes that the editorial staff of 90+10 monitors in the world of design and the world of modern thinking: “The visionary words of the designer and theorist Víctor Joseph Papanek (Vienna, 1923 - Kansas, 1998) – who devoted his life to the study of the social responsibility of design and its impact – warned us way back in 1971 of the urgent need to design for the real world, saying that design should be an innovative, highly creative and interdisciplinary tool that responds to people’s real needs and be research-based, putting an end to ‘dishonouring the Earth itself’ with objects and fabrications that have no reason to exist. With his positive vision, Papanek assures us that design is the protagonist of social change: ‘design has become the most powerful instrument harnessed by man for configuring its tools and its environment (and, therefore, society and him/herself). This means that designers have a huge moral and social responsibility. The fact that his 1995 book The Green Imperative has recently been republished comes as no surprise. Sustainability is the keyword uppermost in the design agendas (and others), especially in the wake of the pandemic, which wrought a sea change for mankind. The duty to stop and spend more time at home enabled us to rethink our lifestyles and reconsider the way we produce and consume, both individually and collectively. We are agreed that building a more sustainable and ecological future is the only possible way forward, and, as Papanek urged, design has a great deal to offer in this sense. For instance, when consumers are mulling over the question of seating, they have to consider how far they are willing to compromise as regards the sustainability of the chair they are thinking about buying. One could say that this is the driving trend of today (pretty much consolidated), and this is something the manufacturing companies are well aware of – which is why they have spent years reinventing themselves in this regard and are keener than ever today to make their consumers aware of the changes they have brought into play. The Salone del Mobile.Milano exhibitors are proud to fling open the doors of their premises and to discuss their operating strategies, championing the use of local, recycled and upcyclable materials devoid of toxic substances; they factor in the impact of transport and use technology as an ally of innovation, seeking a more efficient production model. All these factors, as well as the adequacy of the working conditions offered by companies, are taken into consideration by the consumer who, obviously, also demands high quality, durable, functional, comfortable and good-looking products. Let us not forget that good looks play a fundamental part in our choices. Finally, if the chair we settle on satisfies all the ‘requirements’ set out above, it will remain a part of our lives for a good long time and may well be inherited by someone else. Because surrounding ourselves with responsibly designed and produced objects that are useful and pleasing improves our daily lives and also makes us happier.”