Lesson series

Furniture:
Then and Now

The world of furniture is one of the most fascinating areas of design, as furniture represents the political, social, and artistic values of its time, and it evolves to continue to match the times. In the ancient world and during the centuries leading to the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, furniture was crafted exclusively for royalty and aristocracy. However, in the early years of the past century, it moved toward the intersection of architecture, art, crafts, design, taste, and power, while being subjected to the shifting boundaries of craft, design, and identities. Good furniture design must have strong vision, significant forms, innovative use of materials and technologies, storytelling.

In the series Furniture Design: Then and Now, design historian Daniella Ohad will host instrumental figures in the world of furniture while illuminating various themes in modern and contemporary furniture. They will bring the audience to the forefront of the world of furniture of the past and present. You will gain an understanding of the story of furniture, develop critical eye and the ability to identify greatness, and to recognize its expression and spirit of the time. You will meet some of the world’s most brilliant furniture designers, writers, and historians, who will illuminate one of the most beloved topics in this once-in-a-lifetime design experience
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Why this course?

  • 10 Interviews
  • Live Streamed Classes
  • Class Recordings
  • Discussion Boards

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Meet the instructor

Daniella Ohad

Daniella Ohad is a design influencer, historian, educator, writer, talk show hostess, curator, keynote speaker, who received her PhD degree from the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design and Culture. For the past two decades, she has been committed to education in the field of design culture; history and theory; interiors; material culture; contemporary design; connoisseurship; and the decorative arts. She has taught in some of the world’s leading art institutions, including the School of Visual Arts, Pratt Institute, Parsons New School for Design, Cooper Union, and the New York School of Interior Design, and has spoken in conferences and events worldwide.

Her articles and critiques have been published in magazines and in peer-review journals, and she has curated and hosted such programs as Dialogues with Design Legends at the 92 Street Y; the talk show Spring/Harvest Dialogues; the video series The Collector; programs for the Italian network Skyarte. Ohad is a moderator and speaker in design talks and events and has hosted some of the leading talents in the world of architecture and design on stage in such venues as Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design, Sotheby’s, Museum of Arts and Design, Center for Architecture/AIA, Design Miami, and more. She has been a member in acquisition committees of NYC museums, and her blog Daniella on Design attracts hundreds of thousands of readers weekly. She lives and works in New York City.
Patrick Jones - Course author