Safe: Design Takes On Risk [Paperback]

Marie O'Mahony (Author), Phil Patton (Author), Cameron Sinclair (Editor), Paola Antonelli (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2005

Safety is an instinctive need that has guided human choices throughout history. Now more than ever, it has become not only a focus, but almost an obsession. Designers are trained to mediate between disruptive change and normalcy and can soothe people's anxiety. When scientific revolutions happen, they translate them into objects that people can understand and use. Good design provides protection and security without sacrificing the need to innovate and invent. This book and the exhibition that it accompanies document the unique objects that designers have created to answer people's needs, both physical and psychological. Physical objects include shelters for victims of disasters and homeless people, hideaway furniture, and personal armor and protective gear, while psychological objects include those that thwart identity theft, offer self-defense, and provide comforting reassurance. The objects presented here reflect how good design goes hand-in-hand with personal needs. This book includes an introductory essay by Paola Antonelli, Curator in the Department of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art in New York; an essay by Phil Patton on cars; another by Marie O'Mahony on materials and technologies; and a third by Cameron Sinclair on design for refugees and third-world facilities. The issues addressed by each of these authors will find resonance in people's minds and souls.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: The Museum of Modern Art, New York (October 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870705806
• ISBN-13: 978-0870705809
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eye Candy, March 21, 2006

By 

Bookbrowser (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Safe: Design Takes On Risk (Paperback)

I'm more of a pictures kind of guy, so this book was especially pleasing. Intriguing applications of "safey on the job" design, illustrated nicely with generous photos and diagrams.