“There is a beautiful structural similarity between the Art-Design relationship and the double helix of our DNA; a paradoxical evolution that unfolded in parallel and simultaneously in interdependence; a synthesis dynamics in which we can see elements that come into contact, are combined and are united by bridges, thus forming new complex structures. There is the assembly stage or the Fusion moment. Subsequently, there is a process of dispersion, when the elements get further away from one another, seemingly needing recoil to analyze the result or the newly created bigger picture. There is the Diffusion stage, a particle flux, a gradual mixture and homogenization; then, the passage to another level. The environment of creativity and ideas, obviously fluid, is also the environment in which design is developed, where, exactly like a chemical mixture, links are being done and undone through affinities and exchange of energy values between parties.” 

Gabriel Decebal Cojoc

In the hopes of making available to the general public a dense and structured information about this quite recent field in Romania, the design file aims to outline the local history of this profession at the intersection of technology with art and mass production, as well as draw the vectors of innovation and creativity of the new generation of young designers. Last but not least, the file documents the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the design department at the University of Arts in Bucharest, comments on the retrospective exhibition organized on this occasion at MNAR, and pays tribute to some important figures from this area such as Paul Bortnovschi, Norocel Constantinescu, Ion Bițan and Vladimir Şetran, Alexandru Călinescu-Arghira, Marcel Klamer, Radu Teodorescu and more.

We would like to thank all of our collaborators for authoring the extremely stimulating texts present in this issue:  Ioana Avram, Răzvan Boar, Cătălin Boto, Gabriel Decebal Cojoc, Radu Comșa, Monica Crânganu, Mirela Duculescu, Adrian Guță, Lucian Hrisav, Mălina Ionescu, Miriam L. Leonardi, Horațiu Lipot, Elvira Lupșa, Ioana Marșic, Adina Mocanu, Cristian Nae, Ramona Novicov, Dieter Penteliuc-Cotoșman, Gabriela Robeci, Cristina Russu, Cristina Sabău, Simona Stanciu, Călin Stegerean, Bogdan Teodorescu, Radu Teodorescu, Anne-Lou Vicente, Maria Zinz.