German Design 1949–1989: Two Countries, One History

How did design develop in a divided Germany? What role did design play in the everyday life of Germans? How did it prove to be a tool of protest that foreshadowed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989? Using a two-colour code, blue for West Germany, red for East Germany, German Design 1949-1989: Two Countries One History places in parallel these everyday objects, furniture, cars, posters, books, passports, coins, thought up on both sides of the wall and finally brought together in a publication. In addition to questions of aesthetics and functionality, the book shows the important role played by design in the very process of rebuilding the country and how it served as a propaganda tool during the Cold War. The atypical case of the division of Germany provides a unique comparative perspective on the role played by design in promoting socialism and capitalism. “East Germany’s cheap, colourful plastic designs were in contrast to the cool functionalism of West German design.