By Design

Design is all around us. Whether in objects and spaces, images and interactions, or systems and processes, design shapes our lives in fundamental ways. But what shapes design?

Located in the Amanda J. Precourt Galleries of the Martin Building, By Design: Stories and Ideas Behind Objects features a series of thematic installations drawn from the museum's expansive architecture and design collection. Showcasing over 300 works, the ongoing exhibition highlights the abundance and versatility of creative approaches, exploring how objects come into being, who brings them to life, and how they respond to societal needs and global trends.

Organized by theme rather than chronology, By Design offers diverse explorations of material, form, production, and conceptual expression, from the transformative role of plywood in modern furniture to how nature’s beauty and complexity inspire innovative objects. The motivations behind design are as diverse as its creators, as seen in the ways contemporary designers in Mexico blend ancient traditions, colonial influences, and artisanal techniques to bridge the past and present, and designers from Africa and its diaspora draw on rich histories to create furniture that harmonizes cultural heritage with contemporary life.

With evolving thematic presentations, By Design provides a dynamic and ever-changing experience, encouraging visitors to discover, consider, and enjoy new stories and connections on each visit. By assembling works from different time periods and places, the exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of design’s role in shaping our world and invites reflection on our personal relationships with the objects that surround us.