PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This book combines a set of essays on the history of about both the Cranbrook Academy of Art and its Museum. The impact of the Cranbrook Academy of Art on the history of various fields of design is well-known, but this volume looks at all of the different areas of study at the Academy, and is intended to expand the recognition of Cranbrook beyond its current reputation. The "utopian experiment that has survived for 90 years" is described in the context of other such experimental schools (Bauhaus, Black Mountain) both through the essays, and through the work of 200 alumni who are represented with their own biographical essays and illustrations of their work.

A chronology of the school weaves its way through the book from beginning to end. It is interrupted by the alumni bios, which are organized alphabetically: and then, the essays (short and long) cut into the chronology as well. Our goal in creating this complex design strategy was to emphasize that the school has had an active and important trajectory throughout its nine decades. Another important aspect of Cranbrook is that it has always been a place where real emphasis has been put on the making or work, so the book itself has a materiality (especially with the dramatic cover) to underline that connection of the making of the book itself as a quintessential "Cranbrook" production. Florescent and metallic inks add to the sense of the book as a "thing."

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 8" x 9.75"

Number of Pages: 624

Binding Method: three-piece hard cover

Paper: Munken Pure

Typefaces: Stymie and Twentieth Century

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: Lorraine Wild

Art Director: Xiaoqing Wang

Book Designer: Xiaoqing Wang; Lorraine Wild

Jacket/Cover Designer: Xiaoqing Wang; Lorraine Wild

Illustrator: various

Photographer: various

Picture Editor: Andrew Blauvelt; Xiaoqing Wang; Lorraine Wild

Production Director: Green Dragon Office

Production Coordinator: Green Dragon Office

Production Artist: Tommy Huang

Other Credits:

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