Product Description

From history to theory to technology: a comprehensive survey of furniture design.

Designing furniture is both an art and a science that draws upon a broad range of knowledge and disciplines. It is helpful for today's furniture designers to have a working knowledge of furniture history, technology, aesthetics, the human body, architectural production, interior design, industrial design, and art. Furniture Design is a comprehensive survey that guides the reader through the essential facets of design and more.

The book explores:

• Fundamental ideas of function and social use.
• Form, spatial organization, and typological orders.
• Structural integrity and composition.
• The design process.
• Materials and fabrication processes.
• Marketing and professional practice.
• A historical overview of furniture design up to the twenty-first century.

A highlight of the book includes case studies of twenty-one furniture designs presenting a broad selection of works, designers, design processes, and fabrication techniques in one chapter. The book also features a glossary of terms and a comprehensive bibliography. In short, here is a one-stop resource about furniture design that designers will turn to regularly for the advice, guidance, and information needed to perform their craft.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #131523 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-03
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

Review
"Chapters explore furniture function and social use, physical and spatial characteristics of furniture design, case studies of significant designs, furniture design theory and principles, materials, fabrication, and professional practice and marketing. Also included is a historical overview of furniture design and manufacture around the world." (Book News, February 2008)

"If you want technical, [skills] you have to go for this book..."  (The Herald {Glasgow}, Saturday 15th December 2007)

From the Back Cover

From history to theory to technology: a comprehensive survey of furniture design

Designing furniture is both an art and a science that draws upon a broad range of knowledge and disciplines. It is helpful for today's furniture designers to have a working knowledge of furniture history, technology, aesthetics, the human body, architectural production, interior design, industrial design, and art. Furniture Design is a comprehensive survey that guides the reader through the essential facets of design and more.

The book explores:

• Fundamental ideas of function and social use

• Form, spatial organization, and typological orders

• Structural integrity and composition

• The design process

• Materials and fabrication processes

• Marketing and professional practice

• A historical overview of furniture design up to the twenty-first century

A highlight of the book includes case studies of twenty-one furnituredesigns presenting a broad selection of works, designers, design processes, and fabrication techniques in one chapter. The book also features a glossary of terms and a comprehensive bibliography. In short, here is a one-stop resource about furniture design that designers will turn to regularly for the advice, guidance, and information needed to perform their craft.

About the Author

Jim Postell is an Associate Professor in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati. He has taught design studio and seminar courses for twenty-three years and maintains an active design practice.

Customer Reviews

Awesome Resource!
This book was a big help on understanding the design history of things we all use, everyday. Well laid out and easy to follow, this book is an excellent guide for anyone more curious about what furniture really is; art.