100 Objects from Century of the Child

Eddie Coleman. Design for disposable car seat. 1973

After his manifesto, Design for the Real World, appeared in 1971, Papanek published Nomadic Furniture, on the creation of practical, safe, and creative products for children and adults. This handbook encouraged building works by hand, instead of buying “sleazy or dangerous” manufactured products. Papanek’s concerns and fundamental ideology radiate a radical pragmatism that was shared by an international network of designers experimenting with do it yourself design for children, an ideal outlet for playful, flexible, recyclable forms that could be assembled by willing amateurs. The student proposal for a cardboard car seat shown here demonstrates that, like the rest of the real world, ethical design was not without humor, or missteps.

Learn more at MoMA.org/centuryofthechild