Design/History/Revolution is an interdisciplinary conference exploring how design has shaped cultural, political, and scientific upheaval. The conference, which takes place April 27 and 28 at The New School, will feature an international cohort of scholars of design, history, politics, and art.
"From Pierre L'Enfant's plan for the American capital, to early Soviet Constructivist imagery, to the poster art that emerged out of Occupy Wall Street, design has always both reflected and fueled modern revolutionary movements," said New School Provost Tim Marshall. "There is no better setting to explore these themes than The New School, which since its founding has fostered critical discourse about the ideas and issues shaping our world."
The conference, which also celebrates the launch of a new Master of Arts program in design studies at Parsons The New School for Design, will feature a keynote address by Barry Bergdoll, Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, and Professor of Architectural History, Columbia University. Bergdoll will examine the historiography of design, particularly in relation to its influence on social and political movements.
In addition, more 30 scholars from the world's leading universities will present research on the historical intersections of design and social change. On April 27th, the conference will open with panels on Design and Public Spaces and Revolutions In/And Architecture. The following day will feature panels on Designing Nations and Empires, Designing the Russian Revolution and Soviet History, Design and Identities, and Designing for the Body and the Senses.