為什麼愈簡單的設計反而顯得愈奢侈？
大量生產的蘋果電腦，為什麼像是為個人量身訂做的？
史塔克最精采的設計作品不是外星人榨汁機？
不標榜設計師的無印良品，卻讓我們記得深澤直人的產品？
倫敦設計博物館館長，用八十張圖片帶我們一探設計的過去、現在與未來
設計在我們的生活裡無所不在，從湯匙、椅子、車子、燈具，到飛機、摩天大樓與城市規劃，設計就像是物質世界的基因碼，對於現代生活具有極大的影響力。設計定義了白色是酷、黑色是專業；設計讓明明沒有機械零件的數位相機發出快門喀擦聲；設計也驅使我們在新產品上市時漏夜排隊，只為了先人一步擁有。這一切，都是設計的誘惑使然。
知名的建築藝術評論家薩德奇帶領我們尋訪設計的演變，剖析設計化身為工藝美學、行銷手法與流行時尚等不同面貌。當設計的目的不只是解決問題、服務大眾，而是跟時尚一樣快速地推陳出新，設計改往限量路線發展，企圖與奢侈品、甚至藝術品看齊，設計的價值和意義又該何去何從？
薩德奇援引設計史上的經典個案，包括尼康相機、Lucky Strike菸盒、雪鐵龍汽車、轉盤式電話等，解說其設計精華，也印證不同時期的設計理念與社會文化之間的關係。全書搭配近八十張圖片，讓內容更為生動。現任倫敦博物館館長的薩德奇觀點犀利，學養豐富卻不失親切，足以讓設計愛好者與專業人士，對設計的原型、美學與文化意義，有更深的認識。
PPK手槍在槍膛側邊有個紅圈，以確保使用之前保險栓扣上。 福斯的GOLF GT車款，也採用同樣的色彩組合，車體和水廂是黑色，並在散熱器上畫了一條細窄的紅線。

We live in a world drowning in objects. But what do they tell us about ourselves? In The Language of Things, Design Museum Director, Deyan Sudjic charts our relationship - both innocent and knowing - with all things designed. From the opulent excesses of the catwalk, or the technical brilliance of a laptop computer, to the subtle refinement of a desk lamp, he shows how we can be manipulated and seduced by our possessions. Brilliant and courageous, The Language of Things defines the visual vocabulary of our time and gives us a powerful new way of seeing the world. With up to 100 colour illustrations throughout, this book itself is both a provocative and beautiful thing.

What is it that persuades us to camp outside Apple stores to be the first to buy an iPhone? Why is it that a generation ago a typewriter might have lasted someone a lifetime, but now we write on computers that we upgrade every couple of years to shinier, faster, sleeker models? Why do the clicks of some car doors sound “expensive”?
We live in a world drowning in objects. But what do they tell us about ourselves? In "The Language of Things", Deyan Sudjic charts our relationship - both innocent and knowing - with all things designed. From the opulent excesses of the catwalk, or the technical brilliance of a laptop computer, to the subtle refinement of a desk lamp, he shows how we can be manipulated and seduced by our possessions. Sudjic delivers an exhilarating insider's history of design as he introduces us to the world's most original innovators and reveals the hidden meanings in their work.How did the design of a pistol influence a car? Why did a chair make a cafe the most fashionable place in Paris? What can we learn from a banknote, a police uniform or a typeface? And why can't any of us decide what size to wear our trousers? In an age when the word 'designer' has become synonymous with the cynical and manipulative, Sudjic examines the qualities behind successful design and explores the conflicting tensions between high art and mass production.With scintillating wit he addresses these questions and more, exploring the reasons why every designer yearns to put a personal stamp on a chair or an adjustable lamp, and where design ends and art begins. Brilliant and courageous, "The Language of Things" defines the visual vocabulary of our time and gives us a powerful new way of seeing the world.

An impressive book dedicated to the innovative designs of Sony, a trailblazer in personal electronics and pioneer of the legendary and highly successful WALKMAN®, Handycam®, and other portable electronics. Emerging from the ashes of the Second World War, Sony Corporation pioneered the miniaturization of electronics and created some of the most innovative technologies of the postwar period. Following the model of one of its founders, Masaru Ibuka established Sony with the goal of doing what had never been done before. Beginning with the TR-63 from 1957, the world’s first truly pocket-sized transistor radio, Sony launched the consumer microelectronics industry and gave rise to some of the most memorable products that transformed the way billions of people consume media. Notable for their ease of use, Sony’s products embody the utility of good design and have themselves become objects of desire. This book beautifully catalogs their vast achievements in design and impact on global culture for almost seventy years. In-depth case studies from Sony’s archives on the development of the WALKMAN, the Handycam, the flat-screen TV, and the PlayStation make this the definitive history of Sony design. Through Sony’s relentless pursuit of innovation, this book is a tribute to the passion that continues to live on in their products today. With a stunning cover and interior design inspired by some of the most memorable Sony products, this book is a must-have for design and technology enthusiasts.

A brilliant exposé of the interaction between art, design, and commerce. What is it that persuades us to camp outside Apple stores to be the first to buy an iPhone? Why is it that a generation ago a typewriter might have lasted someone a lifetime, but now we write on computers that we upgrade every couple of years to shinier, faster, sleeker models? Why do the clicks of some car doors sound “expensive”? Deyan Sudjic charts our relationship—both innocent and knowing—with all things designed. From the opulent excesses of the catwalk to the playfulness of an Alessi jam jar, he shows how we can be manipulated and seduced by our possessions. With scintillating wit he addresses these questions and more, exploring the reasons why every designer yearns to put a personal stamp on a chair or an adjustable lamp, and where design ends and art begins.

A provocative look at architecture; "exceptionally intelligent and original" (Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post Book World)
Deyan Sudjic, probably the most influential figure in architecture you've never heard of; argues that architecture, far from being auteur art, must be understood as a naked expression of power. From the grandiose projects of Stalin and Hitler to the "theme park" excess of today's presidential libraries, Sudjic goes behind the scenes of history's great manipulators of building propaganda and exposes Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry, and other architects in a disturbing new light. This controversial book is essential reading for all those interested in the power of architecture or the architecture of power.
* A Washington Post Book World Best Book of the Year

More and more people are moving into towns and cities to live and work, which is altering the urban/rural balance of countries worldwide. THE ENDLESS CITY is an unparalleled study of the growth of six of the world's international cities (New York, Shanghai, London, Mexico City, Johannesburg, and Berlin), exploring key structural, social, and economic factors. This book was overseen by the London School of Economics, and features extensive research and coherent texts by world-renowned professionals in the field of urban planning and development. The information is presented in a comprehensive and visually compelling sequence, enabling quick and efficient reference as well as offering material that is exciting to study. Each city is examined individually in its own chapter as well as being analyzed comparatively in an observational chapter. THE ENDLESS CITY is authoritatively edited by Ricky Burdett and Deyan Sudjic in collaboration with the London School of Economics and the Urban Age Project, an expanding international organization seeking a new urban agenda for global cities.

"Che cos'è il design? Come funziona il linguaggio degli oggetti di cui ci circondiamo? Quali relazioni lo legano alla moda, al lusso, alla pubblicità, all'arte, all'industria, alla nostra storia personale e collettiva? Il designer è un artista o un professionista, è un meticoloso risolutore di problemi o un egocentrico creatore di oggetti inutili? "In tutte le sue manifestazioni, il design è il Dna delle nostre società. Se vogliamo capire la natura del mondo moderno, è questo codice che dobbiamo esplorare." Gli oggetti parlano e, in un mondo sommerso di cose, il rumore di fondo è diventato così assordante che è giunto il momento di chiedere un po' di silenzio e lasciar parlare quelli che hanno seriamente qualcosa da dire: capitolo dopo capitolo, pagina dopo pagina, scopriamo quanto ci manchi una seria e approfondita cultura sull'argomento, quanto piacere ci sia nel conoscere attraverso gli oggetti, quanto possiamo coltivare noi stessi e la nostra stessa personalità circondandoci di oggetti, nei quali riconoscerci e ai quali affidare il compito di rappresentarci. Deyan Sudjic ci insegna ad apprendere questo linguaggio e ad ascoltare con giudizio critico, così da renderci più consapevoli del mondo nel quale viviamo". (M. De Lucchi)

Future Systems is an architectural and design practice, who have rocked the architectural world with their daring forms and inventive design philosophy that merges modern ideas with natural shapes and technological innovations from other fields.
After establishing themselves with creative projects and architectural competitions (Second Place at the International Competition of Bibliotheque de France in Paris, 1989) they soon obtained wider recognition with the Lord's Cricket Ground Media Center in 1994. They went on to gain other important commissions from fashion names like Comme des Garçons (1998) and Marni (1999). They are celebrated for their new flagship store for Selfridges in Birmingham (which featured on more than fifteen magazine covers upon opening).
This book presents a sophisticated selection of work from the past twenty-five years - some of it previously unpublished. It celebrates the perfected accomplishments for which Future Systems are recognized today, as well as looking at the more recent proposals and concepts that continue their forward-looking philosophy.
Organized according to theme, this innovative format furthermore presents well-known works in a new light, permitting a fresh appreciation of Future Systems' oeuvre today - at their highest point of public acclaim yet.

One of the world's greatest institutions of learning and art, the British Museum sees nearly six million visitors annually. Yet until Norman Foster's remarkable transformation of its courtyard, the enormous rambling structure was like a city without a park. Numerous photographs reveal the court from a variety of perspectives and show the cutting-edge technology of the spectacular glazed canopy that shelters what is now the largest covered public space in Europe. Involving the magnificent restoration of the Reading Room, the creation of new galleries for African art and a range of educational resources, the Great Court project was a herald of the British Museum's wider transformation. The project and this book illuminate Foster + Partners' holistic and ingenious approach to contemporary design.

Founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli, B&B Italia is a leading Italian company in the international scene of design furnishings for both home and contract. Based north of Milan, the firm's prestigious headquarters were designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in 1971. Its products have contributed to writing the history of Italian design, the adventurous history of the success of taste, technologies and creativity that have made Italy famous throughout the world and distributed the "Made in Italy" brand on international markets. The collection of B&B Italia furnishings represents contemporary culture and responds to the evolution of living habits and requirements. Contemporary furnishings that are strongly distinctive and characterised by exceptional quality and timeless elegance are the result of the unique union of creativity, innovation and industrial know-how. Published for the 50th anniversary of B&B Italia, this volume covers half a century of the company, through stories by key figures, places, and "iconic" products. The main section of the book is dedicated to drawings, ideas, designs, and images on the historic and contemporary evolution of the company's products, image, and economic reality.

The only comprehensive book on the fascinating life and work of the celebrated architectural designer, John PawsonThis visual biography brings together John Pawson's architecture, life, clients, travel, photography, design, books, and ideas. Written by Deyan Sudjic, an architectural historian and long-time friend, it explores the full scope of Pawson's life, from his Yorkshire upbringing and time spent in Japan to the fashion years and the influence of art, and provides a thoughtful and intimate insight into his life, inspirations, and work.It features wonderfully engaging stories and anecdotes about Pawson's work with such clients as Bruce Chatwin, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Shiro Kuramata, Martha Stewart, and many more. The book features documents, photography and ephemera, including never-seen-before images from Pawson's personal and professional archives - richly illustrated, this is the ultimate book on John Pawson.