‘Weniger, aber besser’means ‘less, but better’. Simple, to the point, these are designs that are anti ‘design’. Dieter Rams, iconic German product designer, studied architecture and interior design; later worked at architecture practice Otto Apel before joining Braun. Appointed as chief designer in 1961, Rams stayed for over forty years — widely considered as the ‘soul’ of the label, as well as one of the most influential designers of our time. He persists with German craftsmanship and simplistic design ‘solutions’; his work are still used in many households to this day, and seen as ‘art objects’ by many.

Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible, published by Phaidon, is a four-hundred-page volume. With his background and career laid out, the book also details Rams design philosophy alongside images of his designs and sketches; also his approach to sales and marketing. His studio, storage and private space are also featured in the book. Packed with images and information, this book is not to be missed by all electronic appliances, cultural studies, art and design fans.

Text: Vincent Lau
 | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Chan Kin Wai


Update: 5 Jul 2011

£60.00
PHAIDON
phaidon.co.uk