Post
Philippe Starck to the Rescue?
Can the French bad boy of design that is Philippe Starck really save us from ourselves? That's the question I found myself pondering over as I watched 'Design for Life' on BBC 2 last night. In his search for some fresh talent to join his Parisian agency, Starck, who ranks as one of the world's best known designers, looked to England for inspiration.
Renowned for his lavish yacht and hotel interior designs, his 'green' rhetoric comes as quite a surprise, I must say. Democratic, ethical, sustainable, ecological - all this coming from someone who has for decades been at the centre of the oh-so-fickle world that is product design. His vision, his approach, in fact his very raison d'être are all a far cry from the Philippe Starck we all thought we knew.
You will try to help your tribe, your society, your civilisation to have a better life, he declares (in an awfully cute French accent) as he instructs his British protégés to invent a product, which is both accessible and eco-friendly, and at the same time, constitutes a positive contribution towards society. His philosophy of sustainable design sparks some quite extraordinary product proposals. From floating cities, and smart meters, to clothes made out of dust, and re-cyclable tampons, clearly some are more appealing than others!
Listening to Starck wax lyrical about escaping the materialist world we live in, one could easily have mistaken him for a politician or ever a philosopher. Quite amazingly, in a programme devoted to design, neither trends nor profit margins are mentioned. Of course aesthetics still play a big role, but always as second fiddle to purpose and sustainability.
I have to admit I did have my doubts. It does all sound a bit too good to be true, doesn't it? But some digging reveals that Starck is more than willing to put his money where his mouth is. He has come up with a very novel concept, one he calls 'Democratic Ecology'. It is a personal wind-turbine, which he claims can generate between 20 and 60% of the energy needed to power a home.
Have I got this right? Consumerism is so 'last year' and sustainable design is now the 'in' thing? Surely not! Even more inconceivable is that a designer is at the helm of this new trend. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - I'm just a little surprised, that's all.
Comments
I’ve seen the first 2 episodes of the show. In fact it’s one of them which gave me the idea for my ‘Extreme Recycling’ post.
“We, French people are known for being a pain in the ass, and we are a pain in the ass” Starck’s also 1/4 genius, 1/4 kitschy, 1/4 straightforward and 1/4 funny.
A great watch & a good life lesson.
You are right to be surprised! I am French and I do not appreciate the way Stark communicate on sustainable issues. Seeing him saying we have to change after having seen the movie of Al Gore in 2006, and last summer finding in a super-market some pic-nic stuff to be thrown after use quite embodies, for me, the gap…
It was reassuring to see two so-called ‘generous’ designs reach last night’s final. I remain unconvinced, however, by Starck’s green rhetoric. Now that the cameras are off, and he’s out of the spotlight, will he maintain his interest in producing sustainable products?
you have already helped me enough and I want to thank you for that!
You are absolutely right on that. I want to get the first free spot so it does make sense that it’s not number one. Money is power.
treat sciatica symptoms indonesian
In the filming scene, Leighton Meester was not the only one to wear UGG Classic Cardy, and once Blake Lively also appeared in a pair of black ugg boots, and a black robe.Although someone criticized that it was improper to wear like that.However, in the present society, Chocolate Uggwas very popular too.
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles! I am deeply in love with every single piece of information you post here. Will be back often to read more updates!
treat sciatica symptoms indonesian
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing this great article! That is very interesting smile I love reading and I am always searching for informative information like this! You are bookmarked!
Thx.
apartments for rent
It is really a nice post, its always great reading such posts, this post is good in regards of both knowledge as well as information. Thanks for the post.
car crash claim
Nice article. It somehow create awareness to those people who are reading it.
Iberostar Resorts
Starck is teaming up with Italian energy parts maker Pramac to create “Revolutionair” vertical axis turbines that can be used in yards, gardens or on rooftops to generate power.
Great job Andreas, congratulation! I think you could be more than a little bit proud of you, because it’s the result of very good work and a very good website! Keep on to be on the Top!
promotional products
This is just another reason why I like your website. I like your style of writing you tell your stories without out sending us to 5 other sites to complete the story.
drink coasters
Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed and informative article. It has given me a lot of inspiration and I look forward to more like this in the future..
Jumping Castle
Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed and informative article. It has given me a lot of inspiration and I look forward to more like this in the future.
wedding stubby holders
What a great post. What an inspiration for everyone who is asking ‘Where is all this stuff I’ve asked for?’ and getting frustrated. I am in love the way you express yourself, and I thank you for doing it with such passion and honest reflection.
stubby holders