Rat für Formgebung – The German Design Council

The Rat für Formgebung, commonly known as the German Design Council, stands as a pillar of design excellence and innovation in Germany. Established in 1953 following a parliamentary recommendation, this non-profit national body was formed to promote optimal design in German products. This benefited consumers and enhanced the competitive edge of West German industries and crafts. Its mission and activities have significantly influenced the design landscape. They mirror the role of its British counterpart, the Council of Industrial Design.

Historical Context and Formation

The formation of the German Design Council was deeply rooted in the post-World War II reconstruction efforts. Like the British Council of Industrial Design (established in 1944, now known as the Design Council), the German Design Council aimed to foster national reconstruction by promoting superior design. The Deutscher Werkbund, a prominent design promotion body in early 20th-century Germany, supported the initiative, further solidifying its foundation.

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The 1951 parliamentary mandate charged the Council with promoting efforts to achieve optimal design for German products. This was intended for consumer benefit and to secure competitive advantages for West German industries and crafts. This broad mandate allowed the Council to influence various sectors. These sectors include industry, business, education, and cultural institutions. They highlight good design’s socio-economic and cultural benefits.

Key Activities and Resources

The German Design Council has been instrumental in curating and disseminating design knowledge through various resources and activities:

1. Photographic Library: Established in the 1950s, this library includes over 40,000 photographs and 10,000 slides of well-designed products, primarily German. It serves as a visual repository of design excellence.
2. Design Library: Created in the 1960s, the library houses an extensive collection of books on various design aspects. It also has over 300 international design periodicals, becoming a hub for design education and information dissemination.
3. Video Archive: Founded in 1988, the video archive provides an additional resource for design education. It enhances the Council’s ability to share knowledge through multimedia.
4. Design Report: Published in 1992, this report offers an overview of approximately 800 design and design-related organizations in Germany. This showcases the breadth and depth of the design industry.

These resources reflect the Council’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of design and its impact on society.

Location and Administration

Since 1987, the German Design Council has been based in Frankfurt and operates under the Ministry of Trade. Its location in Frankfurt, a city known for its cultural and economic significance, underscores its strategic importance. The Council organizes conferences, symposia, and exhibitions to promote design excellence and innovation. Thus, it creates platforms for dialogue and exchange among designers, industry professionals, and the public.

Awards and Recognition

The Council oversees the prestigious German Award for Product Design, awarded biannually since the early 1990s. This award originated from the Gute Form (Good Form) Awards, established in 1969. The first Gute Form Award was bestowed upon Otl Aicher for his iconic corporate identity design for Lufthansa Airlines, setting a high standard for subsequent awardees. These awards recognise outstanding design achievements and underscore the Council’s role in setting and maintaining high design standards.

Online Presence

The German Design Council maintains a well-organized and informative website. It provides valuable information under significant headings such as management, foundation, history, 60 years of design culture, Design Awards, major German brands, Design Academy, Library, and Young Designers. This digital presence ensures that the Council’s resources and activities are accessible to a global audience, further extending its influence and impact.

For more information, visit the German Design Council website.

Conclusion

The German Design Council, with its rich history and extensive resources, continues to play a crucial role in promoting design excellence in Germany. Its efforts in curating design knowledge, organizing influential events, and recognizing outstanding design achievements have cemented its position as a leading authority in the design world. By understanding and appreciating the Council’s contributions, we gain insight into the broader impact of design on society and the economy.

Sources

Woodham, J. Rat für Formgebung. In A Dictionary of Modern Design. : Oxford University Press. Retrieved 20 Jun. 2024

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