(Source: Vimeo via David Korchin)
A short teaser for the documentary RAMS, about legendary German designer Dieter Rams. A film by Gary Hustwit (Helvetica, Objectified, Urbanized), with original music by Brian Eno.
For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design and the world at large with his iconic work at Braun and Vitsoe. The objects Dieter has designed have touched the lives of millions of people––so many of us have had a Braun coffeemaker, shaver, stereo, calculator, speakers, or alarm clock. Or an Oral-B toothbrush. Or a Vitsoe 606 shelving system. Or any of the hundreds of other products Dieter has designed or overseen the design of. His work has influenced the way most of today’s consumer products look and function.
But one of the most interesting parts of Dieter’s story is that he now looks back on his career with some regret. “If I had to do it over again, I would not want to be a designer,” he has said. “There are too many unnecessary products in this world.” He has long been an advocate for the ideas of environmental consciousness and long-lasting products. RAMS is a design documentary, but it’s also a rumination on consumerism, materialism, and sustainability. Dieter’s philosophy is about more than just design, it’s a about a way to live. It’s about getting rid of distractions and visual clutter, and just living with what you need.
The film is currently in production as will be released later in 2018.
We are to pay for the privilege of hearing this multimillionaire telling civilians we have too much stuff? Think I’ll pass.
In 2009 I bought a number of new old stock Braun products including a T-1000 that was still in the box and never opened. Also a Cockpit 260. While Dieter Rams did the design, the electronics were made by Philips.
Dieter brought was the classic Braun T-1000 World Receiver, a classic:
https://braundesigns.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/t-1000-radio/