ABSTRACT: The text presents a route through the folding furniture, from the first copies of the Egyptian period, to the patents registered in the USA, during the second half of the 19th century. In this course, we illustrate the technical solutions of the objects and their tendency to evolve as multifunctional objects, inaugurating through functionalism a functional hybridism. KEYWORDS: Design; Industrial design; Theory of design; History of design; History of Furniture; Material culture; Culture of living. (...)

ABSTRACT: The period that followed the end of World War II was one of the moments when industrial design was more questioned and probably more necessary. The theme was no longer new and shared opinions. Europe was undergoing reconstruction and industry needed to be able to respond to all requests. The population was tired and wanted a new way of life. Portugal did not participate in the war and did not suffer its direct effects. Society maintained the same way of living, despite news coming from abroad showing that changes were emerging that we did not remain indifferent to. Like society, (...)

ABSTRACT: In parallel with the movement of patented furniture that emerges in the USA, the first convertible seats for the train carriages arise. The growing democratization of passenger transport by rail in this country stimulates American creativity and inventors devise equipment that would provide passengers with comfort on long journeys. These articulated seats allowed the travelers to adapt to different postures and allowed the coordination of all the equipment in the wagons, contributing to the resolution of a complex design statement. The affinities found between railway equipment, (...)

ABSTRACT: This study purpose is to show the design advantage when the social and environmental innovation is used as a market differential. We present the theoretical basis and the study case of Domingos Tótora. He is a Brazilian designer. His creations focus on the reduction of material consumption and his inspiration is the Brazilian nature. He valorizes the local workforce. The research method was an exploratory research. We collected information related to the case study. We also used a historical method to understand the state of the art. We were able to perceive the important role (...)

ABSTRACT: The methodology of furniture studies used until recently reveals itself inadequate in face of the introduction of industrial production procedures. Rationalization, standardization and multiplicity force the revision of creative concepts as well as criteria of classification and denomination. The need of a systematic vision, appliable to furniture in its whole, becomes indispensable. KEYWORDS: Furniture; taxonomy; nomenclature (...)

ABSTRACT: This works intends to start a wider reflection on the evolution of furniture production techniques, along with the evolution on the tools used. Also, the implications of industrialization and its perspective on furniture production, as well as some of the environmental and cognitive consequences are addressed. Reflection on the characteristics of craftwork allows to assess its contribute to furniture design, as well as its economic potential. The importance and innovative potential of crafts is observed, concluding that it is imperative to invest in craft teaching. Based on the (...)

ABSTRACT: This is a case study. We analyzed the cork furniture developed by  Raul Cunca, a professor at the Fine Arts Faculty at Lisbon University. The main aim was the search of Portuguese identity in the pieces of this designer. We verified the symbolic system that guides its making. The research method involved the reading of several texts. We also interviewed professionals and other actors inserted in the productive chain. Field visits were also carried out to understand the material chosen. It was possible to recognize his talent, to understand how the valorization of cork (...)

ABSTRACT: The present article arises from an exploratory study that aims at the collaboration (intersection) of the design with the handicrafts of straw basketry, focusing on the local cultural identity. The methodology adopted is mixed, non-interventional and interventional. Its purpose is to report the study and conclusions drawn, as well as to reinforce the importance of cultural preservation and local identity. The article begins by evidencing the loss of a cultural heritage with the disappearance of traditional techniques of artisanal production. Next, we tried to delimit the (...)