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CFP: Design/History/Revolution Deadline: December 7, 2011 Conference: April 27 & 28, 2012, The New School, New York City Whether by providing agitprop for revolutionary movements, an aesthetics of empire, or a language for numerous avant-gardes, design has changed the world. But how? Why? And under what conditions? We propose a consideration of design as an historical agent, a contested category, and a mode of historical analysis. This interdisciplinary conference aims to explore these questions and open up new possibilities for understanding the relationships among design, history and revolution. Casting a wide net, we define our terms broadly. We seek 20-minute papers that examine the roles of design in generating, shaping, remembering or challenging moments of social, political, economic, aesthetic, intellectual, technological, religious, and other upheaval. We consider a range of historical periods (ancient, pre-modern, early modern, modern, post- and post-post-modern) and geographical locations (“West,” “East,” “North,” South,” and contact zones between these constructed categories). We examine not only designed objects (e.g., industrial design, decorative arts, graphic design, fashion) but also spaces (e.g., architecture, interiors, landscapes, urban settings) and systems (e.g., communications, services, governments). And we welcome a diversity of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approaches. This conference brings together scholars from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences with designers, artists, and other creators. We hope not only to present multiple methodological approaches but also to foster conversations across traditional spatial, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. We list some possible subject areas below, and encourage you to propose others: Design and political / cultural / economic revolution Design and the everyday Design and technological revolution Design and government Design and social movements Design and surveillance Design and historicity Designed landscapes Design and empire Design and the sacred Design and the avant-garde Design and memory Design and the print revolution Design and philosophy/philosophies Please submit a 250-word abstract (maximum) and 1-page CV to: [log in to unmask] David Brody, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Design Studies Parsons The New School for Design The New School Director, MA Program in the History of Decorative Arts and Design Director, MA Program in Design Studies (launching in fall 2012)