Malfatto: Imperfect Design for a Better World? A Material ConneXion® Symposium

May 5, 2005 -- ,“Malfatto” is Italian for “poorly made”—an tongue-in-cheek designation of an approach to design that privileges controlled experimentation, the hand of the maker, and materials research that is not directly related to industrial thinking. Advocated perhaps most passionately by the Italian architect and industrial designer Gaetano Pesce--who introduced the concept forty years ago, when slick, machine-perfected Italian design ruled--malfatto is an idea whose time has come.

Moderated by author and New York Times columnist Phil Patton, the symposium’s distinguished presenters will comment on diverse aspects of creating aesthetically, economically and ethically successful products through the integration of the industrial and non-industrial. Issues such as branding, authenticity, the Third World work force and regional materials, as well as the political and economic influence of design feature as key topics.

Malfatto prompts us to reconsider what we take for granted in our consumer society. "Why are we faced with a maze of utilitarian objects which all look alike? No wonder world-class manufacturers persist in the idolatry of branding to distinguish their products from the competitors',” says Material ConneXion Founder and President George M. Beylerian.

Gaetano Pesce’s declaration of his personal definition of malfatto will be followed by presentations by the design gurus and mavericks whose understandings of the term enrich its meaning. Revolutionary trend forecaster (not to mention publisher and humanitarian) Li Edelkoort will analyze the social motivations of the First World’s movement toward unique, hand-made objects. Community activist Kardash Onnig will give personal testimony as to why a Madison Avenue mogul would leave the buttoned-down security of corporate America to make playthings. And “Doors of Perception” organizer and deep-thinker John Thackara will describe guidelines for evaluating the potential of emerging markets.

The views of those listed above will be contrasted with statements from designers working in major corporations, who can report first-hand on malfatto’s infiltration into their companies. James Ludwig (Creative Director of Steelcase North America) will. Scott Henderson (Principal and Founder of Scott Henderson Inc. and Mint) will suggest the best possible future for mass-production. Scott Wilson (Global Creative Director for Nike Explorer Group) will. Due to their different responsibilities and interests, these designers have developed their own visions of humanistic design that contrast with malfatto.

Scheduled to take place on May 13, 2005 at the Tishman Auditorium, New York City the symposium is conveniently positioned on the day before the opening of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. All symposium attendees will receive a free ICFF pass with their ticket purchase.

“Malfatto: Imperfect Design for a Better World” will be held on Friday, May 13, 2005 from 10am to 5pm, Tishman Auditorium, 66 W. 12th Street, New York City.

To purchase tickets, call (212) 842-2050, or e-mail the Conference Department at e-mail protected from spam bots.