"Useless is a small book about a big topic. Conceived and designed as a hybrid of pocket book and themed reader, it can also serve as a mind map or an annotated guide to EXD’11."Frederico Duarte



EXD’11/LISBOA embarks on a new editorial strategy with the publication of a volume edited by design critics Frederico Duarte and Max Bruinsma, and design by Ian Anderson of The Designer’s Republic fame.

In paperback format, “Useless” gathers 5 essays from specialists in diverse fields: journalist Denis Burgierman (BR), interactive designer Johan Redström (SE), economist and professor Jorge Braga de Macedo (PT), visual artist Marta de Menezes (PT), and design critic Ralph Caplan (US). These commissioned, original essays explore the Biennale’s theme, providing a kaleidoscopic view of “Useless”. The approach is plural, reflecting different generational perspectives by a diverse spectrum of contemporary culture agents. Following the essays, a hundred of brief provocations, thoughts or statements by previous Biennale participants open up the scope of the theme and stimulate complementary interpretations.

Nicknamed the EXD’11 “Bible”, not just formally but by its gathering of intellectual and creative international potential that makes up the Biennale, the book was launched during the Opening Week, at the Lounging Space. Introduced by Guta Moura Guedes and Sebastião Sena Esteves of publishing house Babel, the launch also included a debate with the editors and designer Ian Anderson on the concept and the contents of this 400-page publication.
Editor Frederico Duarte, Max Bruinsma/ Graphic Design Ian Anderson – The Designers Republic/ Publisher Babel – EXD’11/Lisboa/ Essayists Denis Burgierman, Johan Redström, Jorge Braga de Macedo, Marta de Menezes, Ralph Caplan/ Provocateurs Alice Rawsthorn, Ana Thudichum Vasconcelos, Anabela Mota Ribeiro, Anders Jakobsen/Lagombra, Arno Piroud, Arthur + Marilouise Kroker (CTheory), Artur Arsénio, Casey Reas, Chloë Braunstein, Clara Andermatt, Clare Cumberlidge, Constantin Boym, Cristina Morozzi, Daniela Pais, David Reinfurt, Doung Anwar Jahangeer, Ed Annink, Eduardo Côrte-Real, Emily Campbell, Emily King, Erik Adigard, Farid Tabarki, Filipe Homem Fonseca, Flúor, Francisco Laranjo, Francisco Providência, François Roche, Gerson Oliveira, Gonçalo Furtado, Gonçalo Prudêncio, Greg Lynn, Heath Nash, Heitor Alvelos, Helder Luís, Hermann August Weizenegger, Ian Anderson, Jane Harrison + David Turnbull (ATOPIA), Jeffrey Shaw, Jennie Peiz, Joana Astolfi, João Brites, João Costa Ribeiro + João Ferrão (Extrastudio), João Garcia Miguel, João Paulo Feliciano, João Paulo Martins, Jorge Moita, José Rui Marcelino, José Viana, Jozua Zaagman, Kathi Stertzig + Álbio Nascimento (The Home Project), Kendall Martin-Robbins, Kriso Leinfellner, Kwangho Lee, Laetitia Wolff, Leon Reid IV, Leonor Hipólito, Lidija Kolovrat, Luis Borges Gouveia, Luísa Coder + José Russell (Infracções), Manuel Graça Dias, Marco Sousa Santos, Margarida Grácio Nunes + Fernando Sánchez Salvador (FSSMGN Arquitectos), Maria Milano, Mário Moura, Marjan Colletti, Martí Guixé, Mateo Kries, Meriç Kara, Miguel Palma, Monica Singer, Neil Spiller, Nuno Coelho, Nuno Mateus Guerreiro, Nuno Tudela, Pascal Anson, Pedro Gadanho, Pedro Sottomayor, Peter Allen + Carla Ross Allen (KnoWear), Petra Schmidt, Philippe Rahm, Raul Cunca, Richard Hutten, Richard Sennett, Rita Filipe, Robert Thiemann, Robin Fior, Rui Afonso Santos, Rui Gato, Ruy Otero, Sandra Vieira Jürgens, Stefan Sagmeister, Tal Gur, Tamara Laï, Thierry Balasse, Thomas Brinkmann, Tiago Mota Saraiva, Tulga Beyerle, Vasco Ferraz, Vicky Richardson, Victor Margolin, Vitor Joaquim, Zoë Ryan/ Participant Ana de Macedo/

Photo: © 2011, EXD'11/ Luís Rocha
"Useless" is available at the Lounging Space’s Useless Shop throughout the Biennale’s 61 days.

Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deep into the EXD'11 theme and to get involved in the debate, adding your own reflections.

PRICE: 12,00 €