In the past 12 years I read a lot about sustainability, design and fashion. I have put my most insightful books on a row. Books from many years ago, as I believe that some insights from the past might still bring us a vital future. Time to make it yourself comfortable on the couch or in the garden with a book. Here are the books that changed my mindset on design, sustainability and minimalism. |
Some books are real classics in the sustainability product design world. You must have read these, they are written a long time ago, but still so present-day in their thinking:
Design for the real world (1971), about problem solving designs such as for disabled people. | Emotionally durable design(2005), shows it is not about owning products but creating experiences and emotions. | Biomimicry (2002), as a designer you can mimic nature, like a yarn that changes colour just like the wing of the morpho butterfly. |
And then there are a few books that turned my way of thinking the other way around during my study. These book might seem old now (2002) but their way of thinking is really interesting for designers who start in the field of sustainability.
Cradle to Cradle (2002), About endless material loops in the biological and technical sphere. | The Upcycle, the follow up on Cradle to Cradle. | Products that last, tools for new circular business models. |
Doughnut economics, about a new economy within boundaries. | Recently I was swept away by the dutch book "Weg ermee" from Dennis Storm. It made life look so easy to live. If you are looking for inspiration in minimalism I can definitly recommend this book. |