Richard Sapper: Compact Design Portfolio

Contemporary design used to be an elitist subject. Despite the crusading populist idealism of the early Modernists, it never catapulted to the masses. Until now. Each book in the Design Briefs series contains short essays, penned by stylish writers with real knowledge and fresh enthusiasm on the subject. The essays address the designer's life, work, and influence, and are followed by numerous pages of illustrations for ongoing reference. Design Briefs: Richard Sapper focuses on a designer who has never been short on ideas. Having studied philosophy, graphic arts, engineering, and economics, he finds technically sophisticated solutions for all kinds of objects: espresso coffee machines, kettles, audio equipment, furniture, lights and bicycles. He is best known for his design of the Tizio low-voltage halogen light (1970, for Artemide). The Tizio has been an essential part of every designer's office, just as every designer kitchen includes the famous Bollitore kettle which signals that the water is boiling by producing a harmonious tone instead of a shrill whistle.