D.E.S.I.G.N.
Innovative design book for parents desirous to share their interest with children
Since its release in 2011, “D.E.S.I.G.N.,” by Polish author Ewa Solarz has enchanted kids and the design-minded parents who read it to them. “I keep on hearing that D.E.S.I.G.N. is someone’s children’s favorite book,” says Solarz. “It might be that children simply like to know different things. Design is what surrounds us. Now, with the introduction of a Spanish-language version, the vibrantly illustrated book has truly gone global. Covering some of the most notable innovations made in household furniture design over the past 150 years, the slim volume features 69 cult design objects from the 19th and 20th centuries from armchairs to orange-squeezers. Creatives such as Gerrit Thomas Rietveld and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe are introduced along with their work, which is outlined in clear and clever diagrams and lively illustrations showcasing the beauty of good design. With a German version whose title actually translates to “Color, Form, Orange Juice,” the book stands out for its capacity to engage a fickle, young audience without over-simplifying the richness of the field’s history and significance. The combination of quirky pictures and concise explanations allows parents to share both the context and fun of their interests with their kids.
Solarz, a design journalist and founder of the interior design online platform domplusdom.com regularly curates design exhibitions that include a variety of child-oriented projects. Her reference guide is brought to life with graphics by Daniel and Aleksandra Mizielinski of Hipopotam Studio, known for their children’s illustrations, typefaces and interactive, web-based projects.
D.E.S.I.G.N. is available for sale on Cocobooks’ website
