In the age of post-capitalism, what is the value of design? Is value
defined by economic potential? Or is it something far less tangible? Now
more than ever design has the ability to engage us in economic,
political and cultural debate, to actively resist the monotony of daily
life, and to counteract the precarious situation on which modern society
seems to rest. Positioning itself as a lens through which to view the
world, design allows us, and in some cases, even forces us to reflect on
the many aspects of the societies in which we live.
Divided into three chapters, GOING REAL positions itself in relation to
the works of Marc Jongen, Maurizio Lazzarato, Adam Greenfield and
Tiziana Terranova, among others. However, unlike the abovementioned
authors, this book draws on the works of selected designers and artists
to reflect on the economic, political and cultural aspects of our
post-capitalist societies. Beginning with an in-depth case study of
Detroit during the downfall of the industrial era, this volume moves on
to a timely and provocative insight into the human crises surrounding
current migration trends with a particular focus on Calais. Finally, in
the third chapter, the human body itself is laid bare as the authors
analyse how and why the most personal of 'spaces' became not only the
ultimate marketplace for businesses but also an object of control for
governments.
