Design-o-rama

Function + Form = Design. We have a new book on the shelves that not only celebrates that idea, it epitomizes it. Design: intelligence made visible by Stephen Bayley and Terence Conran is an encyclopedia of design: industrial, graphic, fashion and commercial. From the 18th century potter Josiah Wedgwood to the iPhone, this book encapsulates centuries of creativity into an easy-to-use alphabetical format. This is a nice research tool for anyone who is interested in art or design, and it begins with a brief (60 pages) overview of the history of design. Each entry is nicely cross-referenced, with underlined terms found elsewhere in the book. Not just practical, though, this gorgeous book also includes hundreds of beautiful color photos of teapots, chairs, dresses, buildings, logos, vehicles and flatware, as well as Fiat cars, Olivetti typewriters, Chanel dresses, and Braun appliances. Learn who designed the London double-decker buses, the paper clip, and the carousel slide projector. Not everything we use has to be utilitarian and ugly, and it's very inspiring to read about people who spend their lives trying to incorporate beauty and style into everyday objects. Some might be more successful at it than others, but you gotta admire the effort.