Designboom reports that French designer and architect Philippe Starck has criticized designer items. During his recent lecture in the main hall of the university in Florence he
…rejects design activity that ‘wants to become art, but in fact is producing items’ – unnecessary and costly things.
he continued by advising students
…to develop objects ‘with a spirit of service towards the people’, as this would help creating a more ‘easy and comfortable daily life’.
Starck explained his philosophy of design: “in the design of an object, we must always focus on the way in which its use can meet the daily needs”.
Starck continued his attack and claim that ‘he had never understood all those designers who are trying to become an artist, creating products that end up being useless, expensive and therefore are a danger to society.’
‘I prefer to design mass-produced chairs at a cost of 1 euro, that sell in 100,000 items, rather than a single one that is quoted 100.000 euro.
Philippe Starck has given a funny, deep & thoughtful TED talk about design and his thoughts on task of designing and the role of the designer. His basic premise is designing for the user.
This is nothing really amazingly new but it still needs to be said and he says it in a very convincing way!