Making Design: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Collections
Making Design: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Collections is an illustrated survey of the museum’s design holdings, designed by Irma Boom. Its 912 pages combine more than 1,100 collection objects with 54 narratives and a process glossary, making it a substantial visual reference rather than a brief introduction.
At a glance
- Features more than 1,100 objects selected by curatorial staff, the Smithsonian Design Library and Irma Boom.
- Includes 54 narratives and a glossary focused on design processes.
- Images are sequenced visually, with design and curatorial essays providing parallel narratives.
- The listing describes printing with glow-in-the-dark ink.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad collection coverage spanning historic and contemporary design, according to the listing.
- The mix of object images, essays and process glossary offers several ways to explore the collection.
- Long print length supports browsing as well as reading individual narratives.
Cons
- At 5.08 pounds and 912 pages, this is a substantial book to carry or handle for extended periods.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 24, 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 912 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0910503745 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0910503747 |
| Weight listed | 5.08 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.27 x 6.06 x 1.26 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in industrial, product and design history.
- Design students and practitioners looking for a visual collection reference.
- Museum and art-book collections seeking a substantial Cooper Hewitt survey.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short, lightweight introduction to design.
- Buyers who specifically need a book focused on one designer, era or design discipline.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
78% 78% - 4 stars
14% 14% - 3 stars
8% 8% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
The supplied evidence includes aggregate ratings but no written customer feedback. The rating distribution is mostly five-star with some four- and three-star ratings, which is a generally favorable but limited signal and does not explain what readers liked or disliked. It cannot establish print quality, image reproduction or how useful the essays and glossary are in practice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the book cover?
The listing describes more than 1,100 objects from Cooper Hewitt’s collection, alongside 54 narratives and a process glossary. The objects span historic and contemporary design.
Who designed Making Design?
The book was designed by Irma Boom, according to the listing.
How large is the book?
The listed print length is 912 pages. It weighs 5.08 pounds and measures 8.27 x 6.06 x 1.26 inches.
Is the book in English?
Yes. The listed language is English.
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