Why Design Now?

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will present the fourth exhibition in the National Design Triennial series in spring 2010. “Why Design Now?” will be on view from May 14, 2010, through Jan. 9, 2011, and will explore the work of designers addressing human and environmental problems across many fields of design from architecture and product design to fashion, graphics, new media and landscape design. Organized by Cooper- Hewitt curators Ellen Lupton, Cara McCarty, Matilda McQuaid and Cynthia Smith, the Triennial will be global in reach for the first time, reflecting the connectedness of design practices and the need for international cooperation to solve the world’s problems. The exhibition title asks the question “Why Design Now?” to examine why design thinking is an essential tool for solving some of today’s most urgent problems; what draws creative thinkers, makers and problem solvers to this crucial field of discovery; and why business leaders, policy makers, consumers and citizens should embrace design values. Key developments across design disciplines will be presented through eight themes: energy, mobility, community, materials, prosperity, health, communication and simplicity.

Inaugurated in 2000, the Triennial series seeks out and presents the most innovative, forward-thinking designs at the center of contemporary culture from the previous three years. The exhibition showcases design solutions that promote environmental stewardship, social equity, accessibility and creative capital in 134 projects from 44 countries.

Photos from above: Adaptive eyeglasses. Joshua Silver, Adaptive Eyecare Ltd. and Oxford Centre for Vision in the Developing World. United Kingdom, 1996–present. Plastic tubing, aluminum rings, silicone fluid, polyester thin film, polycarbonate covers. Photo Oxford Centre for Vision in the Developing World
Artificial Biological Clock, concept. Revital Cohen. United Kingdom, 2008. Glass, nickel plated brass, acrylic resin, motor. Photo Revital Cohen
Learning Landscape. Project H Design. Designed United States, built Uganda, 2008–9. Reclaimed tires, sand, lumber, chalk. Photo Project H DesignThe Girl Effect campaign, poster. Agency: Wieden + Kennedy; production: Curious Pictures and Joint Editorial. Client: Nike
Car-parts incubator, prototype. Design that Matters, Inc. United States and Nepal, 2008– present. Rendering Design that Matters. Photo Jiri Havran/Snøhetta
Heath Ceramics tableware. United States, 2005–9. Glazed ceramic stoneware. Photo Jeffery Cross Haptica
Mahangurina [pearl millet] thresher, prototype. Michelle Marincel, George Yaw Obeng, Thalia Konaris, Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Rasnow and mentor Donna Cohn. Designed United States and Ghana, 2008–9; deployed Mali, 2009. Scrap bicycle, conduit and metal, spring steel, cardboard. Photo F. S. Rodriguez-Sanchez
Kraftplex. Well Ausstellungssystem GmbH. Germany, 2009. 100% recyclable cellulose fibers from sustainably cultivated softwood. Photo Well Ausstellungssysten GmbH
Gripp glasses. Karinelvy Design. Manufactured by Skrufs Glassworks. Sweden, 2008–9. Blown glass. Photo Karin Eriksson
Samarth bicycle trailer, prototype. Radhika Bhalla. Designed United States, deployed India, 2008–present. Locally sourced bamboo, rattan, iron, jute, coconut fiber, wheels. Photo Vahe D’Ala