Design Cities

Organized by the Design Museum, London in association with Istanbul Modern, "Design Cities" was curated by the Design Museum Director Deyan Sudjic. The exhibition brought together works by leading designers of the world, that reflect the history of design from mid-19th century until today and transform the concept of universal design. The exhibition featured a full range of objects from textiles and fashion to industrial pieces, furniture as well as prints and drawings. The exhibition included 109 works by 64 designers and 12 products of 7 brand names, and traveled to the Design Museum, London between 5 September 2008 and 14 January 2009.

"Design Cities" told the story of contemporary design through the focus of seven key cities, in each case looking at their decisive roles in the development of design. While focusing on how specific moments in the history of cities contributed to the evolution of design, the exhibition investigated the ways in which design has shaped contemporary culture.

The exhibition included design classics such as chairs by Charles and Ray Eames, as well as work by a spectrum of designers that together evoked an impression of their era. Key exhibits included works by William Morris, Owen Jones, Christopher Dresser, Adolf Loos, Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray, Achille Castiglioni, Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffmann, Paul Smith, Ron Arad, Zaha Hadid and Ross Lovegrove.