January 29

Blueprint, issue 286 review

Filed Under architecture, design, ideas 

(Text by Gaia Bianchini)


Blueprint has traditionally made its readers well accustomed to sound explanations on design mechanisms and processes, what’s exactly up with design today. And, of course, by “today” we mean “now”. And, possibly, tomorrow.

Thinking of some attribute to generally define the thin, large format magazine, I can’t avoid stressing its most peculiar features: young and independent.

Under the wise guidance of Vicky Richardson (who’s recently been appointed as director Architecture, Design and Fashion at the British Council) and Tim Abrahams, Blueprint goes on giving its lucid, 360°- oriented glance on our world through specific sections dedicated to people/objects/exhibitions/installations/processes and meanings.

This month’s issue gives a challenging assessment on the 25 people among designers, architects and campaigners who will change architecture, design, graphics and communication in 2010. Of course – since the borders of the architect and designer profession are more and more blurring into somewhere else – the list includes personalities from researchers to graffiti artists; from economists to sculptors. Just keep an eye on architectural firms like  Toh Shimazaki Architecture, or sculptor Richard Wilson; or even the think tank Tomorrow’s Thoughts Today, which is “exploring the consequences of fantastic, perverse and underrated urbanisms”, to see what’s in store in Innovationland for 2010.

The English magazine keeps its constant focus on young artists. Sometimes we just need to get out of the main stream and have a look at young designers – students, in some brilliant cases – whose passion and energy is constantly fighting and finding alternative answers to the blue of these delirious days of global crisis. The article “After redundancy” by James Whitaker gives us a clear example of that.

And what seems to be the tantra of this month’s issue (and hopefully of the world’s Powers That Be) is Acting. Starting. Overcoming the Old Order, as Erik Spiekermann poignantly states in his analytical contribution, consistently titled “Achtung!”

So let’s start, from the very bottom. As Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Cutiriba, Brazil,  says in his interview held by Tim Abrahams, “That’s all innovation is: starting”.

We just hope to keep having such a brilliant contribution to help us in the process.

For further info, visit the on-line version of the magazine: http://www.blueprintmagazine.co.uk

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