Core77
It's hard to imagine a designer who had a greater influence than Raymond Loewy, whose contributions include streamlined vehicles, iconic logos, the interior design of NASA's first space station, and a broad array of consumer products. His designs were ubiquitous over a period of decades.
Loewy died 30+ years ago and yet one still sees things he designed or products inspired by things he created. The soda dispensing machine at the place where I buy burritos bears more than a passing resemblance to the soda dispenser he designed in 1947.
In the video below Morley Safer of CBS News interviews Raymond Loewy, shows some of his products, and discusses the elements of good design and the philosophy behind his work.
I find it ironic that this pre-internet interview (from 1979; the internet as we know it began in 1990) comes to us courtesy of the Internet Archive.
David Frane is a tool nut who has worked as a carpenter, furniture maker, and journalist—with a special interest in how, where, and by whom things are made.
Webinar
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
A Conversation with Raymond Loewy, the Father of Industrial Design
Thank You.
A great interview. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful to hear one of my heroes speak. Truly enjoyable. Thank you David.
Thanks for finding this interview. I know that I'm dating myself but my first job out of school ( 1972) was at Raymond Loewy / Wm Snaith in NYC. It was a very large office at the time, maybe 80 to 100 designers. I was in the Industrial Design department working on the last bits of Skylab, a City Bus for the DOT, and the beginnings of a new Presidential helicopter. What a great, real, education for a young designer just out of grad school. I loved every minute of it. Mr. Loewy's hair wasn't quite as white.