Who are my FAVORITE designers? | Enzo Mari

This is the first episode in a series where I discuss my personal favorite designers. What is so unique and unusual about Enzo Mari is that his work is not incredibly remarkable or clever. What influenced me so greatly was his career as a whole and the ideals that drove his publishing methods. When I learned about Enzo Mari as an undergrad I was astonished by how basic his work was. It was his broader ideas about distribution that greatly influenced the way I approach sharing my own DIY designs with the masses. While I do not share most of his values, the structure of HomeMade Modern benefits directly from this legendary designer; in that, like me, he designed for people who couldn’t afford to hire him directly. Expect to learn about my underlying philosophies about craftsmanship and distribution, and how you can adapt and apply elements of this counterintuitive approach to improve your creativity and publishing methods and reach more people.
Links to books discussed in this episode:
Hammer and Nail: Making and assembling furniture designs inspired by Enzo Mari - Erik Eje Almqvist
a.co/d/97ViXQr
Autoprogettazione - Enzo Mari
a.co/d/9UGPgb1
DIY and Build videos are on Ben's main channel HomeMade Modern
/ homemademodern
Home Building projects are on the Modern Home Project
/ @themodernhomeproject
follow Ben on instagram for project updates: benjaminuye...

[@amaro15]

I've been watching your videos from home made modern since 2014; I remember because I was an architecture undergrad at the time, and your design style resonated with me a lot. The first thing I thought when I started watching your videos was having that feeling that Enzo Mari influenced your work, and I definitely share the same opinion you do regarding his work. Enzo Mari's greatness as a designer lies in his profound understanding of design's role in society, his commitment to meaningful and responsible creations, and his enduring influence on the design community. His legacy continues to inspire designers to think critically about their work and I really hope he is never forgotten.

[@sherryu]

Thanks for sharing this, Ben. I learn more about you all the time. Love, Mom.

[@mattwedgwood]

Ben this is a great video. Your big building projects have been mass appeal and its awesome to see you revisiting the small and more personal stuff. Feels like early days with better audio quality.

[@lmgtulsa]

I dig this vid! I’m sure this content isn’t for everyone, but I love it.

[@HomeMadeModern]

yes! The idea for this channel is to really go deep on the ideas, experiences, and topics that shaped the way I think. The goal is sort of to create a video sketchbook of my life as a designer

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great idea for a series. Thank you for exposing us to Mari. Reminds me of the furniture made in the internment camps. Thank you for sharing! 🙂🙏🙏🙏

[@oight]

I'm a fine artist who's probably much more in line with Enzo Mari's politics - of course, I think he was sometimes too ultra-left/a bit of a downtrodden older socialist, but still never sold out on his core beliefs. Somewhat similar to Jean-Luc Godard in a way, but for design. However, I thought you really approached this topic with great care and true appreciation despite your political difference. I really loved this video, thanks 😊

[@yanobou]

Great 1st of a series choice. Of course buying mass produced simple wood chair would likely be cheaper than making one’s own. However, designs such as yours make “making” less intimidating. Add to that the prospect of making something that actually looks good and and you have more motivation to try. Learning with basic tools to make a straight cut can be the first step to build confidence for more sophisticated projects and a skill development. Imj.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Thanks for sharing. This certainly answers some of my questions. Thumbs up sir. (Authentic inconsistency; it's like you know me.)

[@fmls8266]

Ah yeah Enzo Mari stuff doesn't increase in value..
His table only costs 17 thousands €, his chairs 1400 each, he has paperweights that costs 3k.
What are you talking about ?
And if your work is not political by choice why even picking Enzo? The man would have literally laughed at you for that take