Over the past weeks we’ve noticed a series of articles that question the media’s role in the design industry. Let’s talk about it.
April 29th, 2015
Above: Patricia Urquiola and Philippe Starck. Image via Dezeen
Ranging from laments at the proliferation of ‘smartphone journalism’ to an angry response to critiques of the celebrity status some architects and projects achieve, there’s been wide discussion around the topic.
As members of the media, we ourselves constantly receive requests from architects and designers to promote their work, and our relationship with them is often shaped around a reciprocal support of one another. So, where do the boundaries lie? Is leveraging a designer’s celebrity to drive social media engagement justified if we helped build that celebrity? Or have designers become the prize ponies who get trundled out to please the crowds and feed the media frenzy? And do we have the right to then question or criticise their celebrity?
We see the crux of the issue beginning with the hordes of self-appointed, unregulated media and the brands that set their designers punishing schedules of interviews and public appearances. At this year’s Milan fair, we chose to veto interview opportunities with some celebrity designers, as we realised we would be receiving a 15-minute window only, where a harried designer would share the same pre-packaged phrases that they had been presenting to bloggers all day. No chance to establish a rapport, no ability to tailor a set of questions for a specific angle or audience. And, as dezeen’s article points out, those interviews and images are plastered across the web immediately, with no editorial analysis, compromising and precluding any meaningful discussion. So where’s the value?
Don’t get us wrong – interviewing famous designers is an honour and a pleasure. But we also want those interviews to be unique, and substantial enough to transcend the sound-bite. We believe designers’ time is just as precious as ours and that one good interview is more beneficial – to designer, brand, and media – than a dozen poor ones.
Below is some further reading on the subject, we encourage you to have a look and share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
Dezeen: Digital media is turning design fairs into”a kind of wild west” say designers
Architecture and Design: Zaha Hadid Director calls out “ignorant” architecture critics, says he doesn’t design for iconicism
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
An exciting new collaboration involving Autex Acoustics, Willie Weston and Lisa Waup colourfully brings First Nations design to high-performance acoustics.
In this brand new exhibition, GH Commercial’s custom carpet solutions help local artists create joyful installations that each tell a unique story.
As well as considering the materials and processes used to manufacture furniture solutions, companies like Workspace are shifting their focus to the entire lifespan of products.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Check out the latest projects from New South Wales architects and designers and tell the world about your own projects
Curated by Carr, Lancemore Crossley St Hotel is a boutique hotel centred in the thick of Melbourne’s theatre scene — and with a flair for the dramatic, it fits right in.
A Japanese restaurant experience like no other: Kelly Ross has delved into Japanese folklore to respond to the incredible cuisine of hatted chef Nobuyuki Ura.
Last Thursday night, in the heart of Brisbane, over 100 architects, designers and clients joined attended the launch of the James Richardson Brisbane showroom launch and the unveiling of new and inspiring products. The night was spent surrounded by award winning designs, unique product and a stylish ambiance.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke with three architects currently practising in Canberra to investigate the city’s planned history and what it means to work in that shadow.
The revival of Sydney’s Paddington suburb continues as architecture firm Scott Carver unveils ambitious plans to transform the historic Verona cinema into a mixed-use cultural hub.