Architecture and Design 1970-1990

Russell, editor-in-chief of Interiors magazine, here gathers a cross-disciplinary advisory board of 12 American design leaders in architecture and interior and furniture design to outline recent trends and determine future developments. In their view, America has developed a growing sophistication as a design-conscious society; four ``mainstreams'' of design are now dominant. Post-modernism shows a penchant for historical allusion and the incorporation of ornament and decoration in architecture. ``Cybernetic'' influences arising from the impact of microcomputer technology in office and home settings inspire a high-tech minimal style. A radical ``deconstructionist'' school produces disquieting images reflecting anxiety over social chaos. Lastly, ``process design'' encourages citizen participation in urban planning and architectural design. This superficial overview, further marred by uninspired design in the book itself, is probably too basic for design professionals and their more sophisticated clients. However, the uninitiated reader may find the book's concise descriptions of current aesthetic theory helpful. Illustrated. (Oct.)