Design as Art: Bruno Munari

Some books catch your attention precisely because they sit outside the noise - no marketing glitter or biased reviews. It’s your own random choice and you are left alone to figure it out, appreciating it based on a true connection. This book was one of those rarities for me.

Beautifully written around the role design plays in uplifting our daily lives, it highlights a depth of thought that is often missed by the untrained observer. The world becomes a richer place through art and design, yet we often only appreciate these elements when the mind is free of daily clutter. The author, Bruno Munari, encourages us to develop an astute sense of observation, blending functionality with aesthetics. It suggests that the best designs - often the most basic - are found when we deeply connect with nature and the cultural practices that have stood the test of time.

In the 'rut' of modern life, we often choose functionality over beauty. However, appreciating the finer aspects of life requires training, much like training one's ears for classical music. Initially, our senses gravitate toward the mundane and the obvious. But with patience and persistence, as we begin to unpack the hidden layers of the 'unobvious,' a new stream of beauty emerges. Once we taste that level of depth, there is no going back. Such is the beauty of a life centered around art, design, music, and creativity.