Victor Papanek: The Politics of Design offers a comprehensive overview of the work of the
designer author and activist Victor J. Papanek. His main work the instructive guide Design
for the Real World published in 1971 is as much in focus as his designs and his commitment to
social minorities the so-called Third World and the considerate use of natural resources.
This book documents countless photographs artistic works and designs objects drawings
letters and other materials some of which are published here for the first time. Papanek's
close exchange with contemporaries such as Richard Buckminster Fuller George Nelson and
Marshall McLuhan is also examined. Contemporary work by Tomás Saraceno Catherine Sarah Young
Gabriel Ann Maher Thomas Thwaites and Forensic Architecture as well as Flui Coletivo and
Questtonó among others rounds off the publication and demonstrates that Papanek's
interpretation of design as a tool for social transformation is as relevant as ever and
continues to shape debate on social design critical design and design thinking. With essays
by Alison J. Clarke Amelie Klein Jan Boelen Felicity Scott Jamer Hunt Cameron Tonkinwise
among other contributors.
