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National Design Histories in an Age of Globalization: Making Sense of History

Mike Hayes

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Published in Designing Worlds: National Design Histories In An Age Of Globalization (Making Sense Of History 24)

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The study of design history has traditionally been focused on the development of national styles and the work of individual designers. This approach has produced a body of knowledge that is rich in detail and insight, but it is also limited in its scope. In an age of globalization, when people, ideas, and objects are moving across borders at an unprecedented rate, traditional approaches to design history are no longer adequate to account for the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary design.

Designing Worlds: National Design Histories in an Age of Globalization (Making Sense of History 24)

Designing Worlds: National Design Histories in an Age of Globalization (Making Sense of History Book 24)

by Grace Lees-Maffei

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, I will argue that we need a new approach to design history that is based on the idea of "transnational flows." This approach emphasizes the movement of people, ideas, and objects across borders, and it allows us to see how design has been shaped by global forces. I will begin by discussing the limitations of traditional approaches to design history. I will then develop a new approach to design history that is based on the idea of transnational flows. Finally, I will use this new approach to examine the history of design in the United States and China.

The Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Design History

Traditional approaches to design history have focused on the development of national styles and the work of individual designers. This approach has produced a body of knowledge that is rich in detail and insight, but it is also limited in its scope.

One of the main limitations of traditional approaches to design history is that they are too focused on the national level. This focus has led to a neglect of the transnational flows that have shaped design history. For example, traditional approaches to design history have often ignored the influence of foreign designers on national design styles. They have also neglected the role of international exhibitions and competitions in promoting the spread of design ideas.

Another limitation of traditional approaches to design history is that they are too focused on the work of individual designers. This focus has led to a neglect of the role of design teams and the influence of social and economic factors on design. For example, traditional approaches to design history have often ignored the contributions of women and minorities to design. They have also neglected the role of marketing and advertising in shaping design.

A New Approach to Design History Based on Transnational Flows

In order to overcome the limitations of traditional approaches to design history, we need a new approach that is based on the idea of transnational flows. This approach emphasizes the movement of people, ideas, and objects across borders, and it allows us to see how design has been shaped by global forces.

There are a number of advantages to using a transnational approach to design history. First, this approach allows us to see how design has been influenced by a variety of cultures. Second, this approach allows us to see how design has been used to promote global trade and communication. Third, this approach allows us to see how design has been shaped by global social and economic forces.

One of the key concepts in a transnational approach to design history is the idea of "cultural exchange." Cultural exchange is the process by which people from different cultures share ideas and objects. This process can take place through a variety of channels, such as trade, travel, and education. Cultural exchange has been a major force in the development of design history, and it has led to the creation of new design styles and the spread of design ideas around the world.

Another key concept in a transnational approach to design history is the idea of "globalization." Globalization is the process by which the world has become increasingly interconnected. This process has been driven by a number of factors, such as the development of transportation and communication technologies and the rise of multinational corporations. Globalization has had a profound impact on design history, and it has led to the creation of new global design styles and the spread of design ideas around the world.

The History of Design in the United States and China

In order to illustrate the value of a transnational approach to design history, let us examine the history of design in the United States and China.

The history of design in the United States is a story of cultural exchange and globalization. In the early years of the United States, American designers were heavily influenced by European design styles. However, as the United States developed its own unique culture, American designers began to create their own unique design styles. In the 20th century, American design became increasingly globalized, and American designers began to draw inspiration from a variety of cultures around the world.

The history of design in China is also a story of cultural exchange and globalization. In the early years of China, Chinese designers were heavily influenced by traditional Chinese design styles. However, as China opened up to the world in the 19th century, Chinese designers began to be influenced by Western design styles. In the 20th century, Chinese design became increasingly globalized, and Chinese designers began to draw inspiration from a variety of cultures around the world.

The history of design in the United States and China shows how transnational flows have shaped design history. In both countries, design has been influenced by a variety of cultures and has been used to promote global trade and communication.

In an age of globalization, traditional approaches to design history are no longer adequate to account for the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary design. We need a new approach to design history that is based on the idea of transnational flows. This approach emphasizes the movement of people, ideas, and objects across borders, and it allows us to see how design has been shaped by global forces.

A transnational approach to design history has a number of advantages. First, this approach allows us to see how design has been influenced by a variety of cultures. Second, this approach allows us to see how design has been used to promote global trade and communication. Third, this approach allows us to see how design has been shaped by global social and economic forces.

A transnational approach to design history is essential for understanding the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary design. This approach allows us to see how design has been shaped by global forces and how it has been used to promote global trade and communication.

Designing Worlds: National Design Histories in an Age of Globalization (Making Sense of History Book 24)

by Grace Lees-Maffei

5 out of 5