Intelligent Design- Part II

Design Futures (2011) examines key factors with potential to shape the design and architecture of tomorrow. “Designers seem to move between two worlds, creating in the now yet anticipating the future markets in which their products will sell,” says author Bradley Quinn.

The Rotor House concept created by Luigi Colani features a cylindrical core that contains a bathroom, bedroom and living room. The space-saving unit rotates the room out of range when not in use.

How handy could this be? If you haven’t made your bed, rotate it out of sight. Same for the spouse or children with whom you are arguing. Good stuff.

A kitchen designed by a French design studio converts food and water waste into a fresh resource and harnesses wind and solar energy to power equipment. Bonus – the stainless steel and enameled green surfaces look really cool.

Quinn describes mega materials which underpin revolutionary innovations – smart plastics, soft concrete, inflatable membranes – and shows examples of products which use them.

At the end of the book, his interview with David Shah is heartening. Shah is known for his expertise in identifying emerging consumer trends and his predictions are counter-intuitive to the high-tech content of the book.

He says we are living in a participatory culture where consumers are “wresting control of their own lifestyles and purchasing decisions from marketers, celebrity-based media and insensitive corporations.”

He also predicts a future with growth in the DIY design movement inspiring people to make more things themselves. As well, he sees a new frugality where consumers are more likely to try and make things last longer.

Now that’s a good-news day.