This dissertation attempts to comment upon some basic parameters that are relevant to industrial design –as it developed during the 20th century- with immediate references to furniture design and construction.
Starting from the aspect of design, there is an extensive reference to the Bauhaus School, where –among other things- the extremely productive furniture workshop operated. Works by great masters- designers, and even by apprentices, were produced there, many of which stood out due to their pioneering form and functionality constituting a milestone as far as furniture design is concerned in the 20th century. Within this framework, the rationale of the operation of the Bauhaus School is presented, as well as some more specific historic elements about the operation of the furniture workshop, important designers that worked in it, and lastly, some representative pieces of work that were produced there.
Moreover, some of the ways the relationship between the market and furniture design and production was expressed are also examined here. In specific, the study focuses on the products and the operation of the international chain of department stores, IKEA, which, admittedly, constitute a contemporary phenomenon in the market and consumption field. In addition, there is an attempt to comment upon “democratic design” that IKEA itself believe to be producing and providing their consumers with, along with the connection of mass design with the consumption trends that can be observed in recent times.