7.2
DESIGN THROUGH THE AGES
68
READING AND VOCABULARY
MATERIALS, SHAPES AND TEXTURES
1
a
Designers need to think about the following
when designing new products: material, shape,
texture. Look at the words in the box and put them
into the correct category.
steel smooth curved leather rough angular
aluminium canvas wooden polished square
plastic soft circular paper straw hard
1
b
Look at the three chairs in the photos. How would
you describe each one?
1
c
Which do you prefer? Why? (Think about comfort,
style, practicality, etc.)
2
You are going to read about design during three
different decades of the 20th century: the 1930s, the
1960s and the 1990s. Before you read, discuss the
following in small groups.
1
Look at the photos of the chairs. Which of the three
periods does each chair come from?
2
Look at the ideas in the box below which influenced
design at the different times. Discuss in which period
you think they are mentioned and why.
advances in communication
recycling
young consumers
short-lived products
streamlining (smooth in shape)
ergonomic design (designs adapted to human needs)
3
a
Work in groups of three. Read your text quickly,
then share your information with your group. Compare
the information with your ideas from Exercise 2.
Student A:
Read the text on page 69.
Student B:
Read the text on page 160.
Student C:
Read the text on page 163.
3
b
Read your text again and complete the chart for
your text. Then in your groups, summarise the key
facts about your text so that the others in your group
can complete the chart.
1930s
1960s
1990s
Ideas
streamlining
Designers
Products
Materials
4
a
Justifying opinions
Work on your own.
Which design period was for you:
•
the most exciting?
•
the most useful?
•
the most interesting?
Make notes on the reasons for your choices.
4
b
Work in groups and present and justify your choices.
A
B
C
