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Icograda: Esen Karol and Mervyn Kurlansky
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TAXI
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Icograda Design Week in Seattle was an international design forum which took place in Seattle, USA last 9th July till 15th July 2006.
Defining Design on a Changing Planet, Icograda invited 22 international speakers to discuss on the role of design in this global awareness of evolution; how design has and may serve the economy and society and will also address the major topics design faces: cultural, political, economic and environmental issues at work in a global society. Last year’s Icograda Design Week is first in history to be held in USA and is in partnership with AIGA Center for Cross-Cultural Design.
TAXI Design Network proudly supported Icograda Design Week in Seattle as the Major Media Partner. The editorial crew from TAXI Design Network proudly reported the conferences live and delivering to you our interaction with the presenting design leaders.
For every week from April to June 2006, TAXI Design Network conducted exclusive interview sessions on the speakers based on their opinions of design in the growing world of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Please visit Icograda Design Week in Seattle for more information.
Exclusive Highlight on TAXI Design Network
Interview with Esen Karol
TAXI >> In your opinion, what is the complimenting relationship of typography between Graphic Design and Illustration in the world today?
Esen Karol>> I must admit I’ve never thought of typography as a complimenting element in communications design because I see it as a major tool in visual communications. As Ellen Lupton and J. Abbot Miller wrote: “Typography is the interface of writing.” I think human-beings haven’t invented a better information-storage technology than language yet. On the personal level I am more interested in the image of typography.
In today’s world the designers have the chance to experiment with letter-forms and their usage therefore there is a huge opportunity to explore new ways of communicating with words. In short in solitude or in relationship with ‘others’ it is exciting times for typography. The fun has started in late 80’s and with the development of new software (which enable the input of dynamic information) we can expect ground-breaking results. In terms of relationships of typography with illustration or anything else I expect what I would expect from any other relationship: The generation of a third meaning which is not inherent in the relationship-forming partners.
TAXI >> Is there a specific message that you look forward to share over your presentation at ICOGRADA DESIGN WEEK in SEATTLE?
Esen Karol>> The title of my paper is “Sending off bottles to the sea”. It refers to an interview with Lyotard. I will try to discuss the concept of “audience”, the “thing” we designers like to target. Although I have a specific message in my mind the process of writing may alter it totally, therefore I should rather keep silent until I am finished with the paper.
Exclusive Highlight on TAXI Design Network
Interview with Mervyn Kurlansky
TAXI >> Is there a specific message that you look forward to share over your presentation at ICOGRADA DESIGN WEEK in SEATTLE?
Mervyn Kurlansky>> Yes there is, and I am not going to give it away until the day.
© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
Defining Design on a Changing Planet, Icograda invited 22 international speakers to discuss on the role of design in this global awareness of evolution; how design has and may serve the economy and society and will also address the major topics design faces: cultural, political, economic and environmental issues at work in a global society. Last year’s Icograda Design Week is first in history to be held in USA and is in partnership with AIGA Center for Cross-Cultural Design.
TAXI Design Network proudly supported Icograda Design Week in Seattle as the Major Media Partner. The editorial crew from TAXI Design Network proudly reported the conferences live and delivering to you our interaction with the presenting design leaders.
For every week from April to June 2006, TAXI Design Network conducted exclusive interview sessions on the speakers based on their opinions of design in the growing world of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Please visit Icograda Design Week in Seattle for more information.
Exclusive Highlight on TAXI Design Network
Interview with Esen Karol
 | TAXI >> What is your opinion of Design today in the progressive world which is greatly influenced by cultural, economy and society?
Esen Karol>> Bruce Mau states in an interview with Max Bruinsma that "our collective will is a primal force with the power to shape the world with new and ever expanding capacity, and design is the shape of that power." I think the role of the power of the shape (i.e. the power of design) is exaggerated. I believe now that everything is almost possible, the content of the form has lost its transforming power. We should rather question our collective will and what we do with it. In the progressive world –as you call it– nothing is radically changing since the status quo at large is not being challenged really. The center shifts but we cannot get rid off it. Designers as active actors of society surely do play a role in constructing today's reality but I don't perceive it as more or less important than any other profession's. On the other hand I am very happy that today majority of the design tools are accessible for the general public. |
TAXI >> In your opinion, what is the complimenting relationship of typography between Graphic Design and Illustration in the world today?
Esen Karol>> I must admit I’ve never thought of typography as a complimenting element in communications design because I see it as a major tool in visual communications. As Ellen Lupton and J. Abbot Miller wrote: “Typography is the interface of writing.” I think human-beings haven’t invented a better information-storage technology than language yet. On the personal level I am more interested in the image of typography.
In today’s world the designers have the chance to experiment with letter-forms and their usage therefore there is a huge opportunity to explore new ways of communicating with words. In short in solitude or in relationship with ‘others’ it is exciting times for typography. The fun has started in late 80’s and with the development of new software (which enable the input of dynamic information) we can expect ground-breaking results. In terms of relationships of typography with illustration or anything else I expect what I would expect from any other relationship: The generation of a third meaning which is not inherent in the relationship-forming partners.
TAXI >> Is there a specific message that you look forward to share over your presentation at ICOGRADA DESIGN WEEK in SEATTLE?
Esen Karol>> The title of my paper is “Sending off bottles to the sea”. It refers to an interview with Lyotard. I will try to discuss the concept of “audience”, the “thing” we designers like to target. Although I have a specific message in my mind the process of writing may alter it totally, therefore I should rather keep silent until I am finished with the paper.
Exclusive Highlight on TAXI Design Network
Interview with Mervyn Kurlansky
| TAXI >>You were chairman of the Icograda London Design Seminar from 1996 to 1999. And now you are back as one of Icograda ’s International Conference Speakers. Have you always been an active design advocate?
Mervyn Kurlansky>> Yes, it seems that way – at least since the 1970s. TAXI >> If you are granted only a question to ask Edward De Bono (the one who originated the term "lateral thinking”), what would it be? Mervyn Kurlansky>> Edward De Bono’s writings have greatly influenced my thinking since the 1960´s and I have the greatest respect for his innovative ideas. My question would be: “There appears to be a lack of emotional intelligence in the world and most people do not seem able to give up control, and their desire to be right; what action would he advocate to get decision makers and leaders in our societies to, embrace and practice the principles of parallel thinking?” |  |
TAXI >> Is there a specific message that you look forward to share over your presentation at ICOGRADA DESIGN WEEK in SEATTLE?
Mervyn Kurlansky>> Yes there is, and I am not going to give it away until the day.
© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.