Panel Statement

A PROPOSAL FROM ESAD, THE ECOLE SUPERIEURE D’ART ET DE DESIGN DE REIMS

In wealthy countries, the 21st century is marked by the economic suprema¬cy of the service sector, which generates immaterial products. Objects have become data carriers, meant to quench the consumer’s thirst for sensation. Computers are transforming society as radically as the steam engine did over 150 years ago. Production, distribution and consumption have increased from a rhythm of jazz or rock to one of techno. Long abandoned by the Bauhaus, design has broken free from Raymond Loewy and is trying to rebuild itself somewhere between cultural and stock values.

MODERATOR

• Brice d’Antras, Journalist and professor of the history of design.

PANELISTS

• Jean-Louis Frechin, architect and designer. He has turned toward new information technologies to develop projects while applying the specific com¬prehensive approach of a designer. He is project director at the Ecole ENSCI/Les Ateliers.
• Ora-Ito, designer. He uses virtual images broadcast on the Internet to change the designer’s relation with companies and consumers. He is a sam¬pler of influences and a contributor to the development of design on line.
• Ron Arad, designer. He explores the constructive possibilities of materials and techniques. His collection of vases and lamps Not made by hand, not made in China applies new possibilities for the relation between manufactur¬ing tools and computers. He is a professor of design at the Royal College of Art.