Object Stories

When is an object socially or ecologically responsible? Responsible Objects * shows objects that emerged as ‘do-gooders’ out of the social engagement of their designers. Today we pay close attention to objects that are sustainable or are socially conscious in another manner. But this is not a new phenomenon. There are examples throughout history of quality furniture made for the middle and working classes, DIY design and ecological design strategies such as recycling and local production methods.

* Marjan van Helvert, The responsible object. A history of design ideology for the future, Valiz, Amsterdam, 2016.