Josef Frank: Against Design

“One can use everything that can be used”, proclaimed Josef Frank, one of the most important architects and applied artists of modernity, who, with this non-dogmatic, democratic design approach was far ahead of his time. Frank’s architectural sensibility placed comfort above form. Provided here is a comprehensive overview of the multi-layered oeuvre of an extraordinary ‘designer’, simultaneously delving into his complex intellectual and creative strategies. Highly productive, Frank developed a plethora of furniture and textiles at the same time as being a leading architect of modernity who grappled with all of the themes concerning architecture and living environments, including socio-political ones. Within the avant-garde, however, Frank adopted a very critical position, expressly declaring himself opposed to the idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk, standardised furnishings, and innovative forms for their own sake.