Capitalism is more than just an economic system. As a system and a logic, it has long since permeated every aspect of our society. How do we deal with it – as a society, as cultural practitioners and designers? What role does design play in capitalism, given that it makes our designed environment and every everyday object, however mundane, more beautiful, more user-friendly and more desirable? Can design contribute to change, or even undermine capitalist structures?
The argument that design contributes to unbridled consumer culture and its devastating consequences is (admittedly) not entirely without merit. Our speakers demonstrate that 1. there are alternative approaches and 2. it is essential to bring about change in socio-political structures:
In her lecture, the philosopher Mara Recklies argues that the role of design in promoting consumption should by no means be taken for granted. Pre-capitalist design existed, and we can work together on strategies for post-capitalist design. Furthermore, we are still allowed to criticise capitalism even if we enjoy going shopping. Instead of pointing the finger at others, we should reflect collectively on the values we wish to uphold (in our professional lives and in society).
The architect and designer Van Bo Le-Mentzel presents a practical example of this and brings his project with him: the Pick-Up House is a creative strategy to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis through design. His organisation, the Tiny Foundation, makes the Tiny House available free of charge to homeless people in Berlin for the night.
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Project Team
Gewerkdesign
Stefan Rothert
Birgit Schlegel
Jens Imig
Georgina Prüßing Mascarenhas
Christina Storch
Antoine Laurent
Jens H. Lohmann
