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Power of Design
September 17, 2009 · 323 views

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Text : Leonard Theosabrata | Illustration : Max Suriaganda
Power refers broadly to any ability to effect change or exert control over either things or people, subjects or objects. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

As we move forward with our celebration of democracy, everywhere else in the world; the term power just seem to have a sour taste in the mouth, not a day goes by without news of power struggle for democracy and good old dictatorship, the same is happening in design.

It’s a fast world we live in today; one that is on a race, with countries competing to the finish line, with design as the engine, and with no rules applied, except for one underlining common sense, winner have to apply design with good taste and excellent delivery.

I have seen what I thought was the winner in this race, most European countries like Italy with their design celebration ” Salone De Mobile ” or Denmark, France or even England would win by default, given their long history in modern design, government support combined with an excellent pool of talents.

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Martin Margiela in Salone 2009

But as it turns out this is not that kind of race, the finish line doesn’t exist, it’s more like a never ending marathon to maintain your existence. One that would require not only knowledge and power, but stamina as well, the question is how long can you keep up and stay in the race?

 spacer We are beginning to see a shift of power in the world, and that of course affects design as well, with economic downturn in the west, the east has emerged as a powerful contender to lead the race, China is right now at the forefront, with their booming art & design scene, great history in culture and charming pockets of havens combined with powerful production capacities and to top it off an enviable local market to sustain their new found power.

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Yue Min Jun

But already when I visited China recently, you begin to see signs of slowing down, all the progress China had seen is not without cost; sometimes it’s harder to maintain your status than it is to achieve it, after the Beijing Olympics ended, the management in charge is puzzled on how to maintain the mega-complex existence; some suggested even turning the bird nest into a mall, what a pity that might be, on the other side of the world; in an effort to avoid making the same mistake, London; the next host for the Olympics is already pushing the PR of what is going to be the usage of the Olympics complex; post event in 2012.

Another example on bad endurance, my recent trip to Bangkok is contaminated by rude taxi drivers (who would not charge by the meter) less friendly staffs in Hotels, Airports and retail outlets, and worst; the lack of new design, so where is the Bangkok that I loved so much? Just a year ago you can smell it in the air that this place is on its way to become the hub for design’s kindred spirits in South East Asia, but with the recent Anti Government demonstrations and Airport lockdown, and less budget spent on supporting design, no wonder people are losing their spirit.

So how difficult is it to maintain the power of design? It’s a big task to tackle, even for the biggest players in the game.

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