Third Year BA Graphic and Media Design/Diploma in Professional Studies student Akane Sakai has been working on the design for a new book called TD 63-73 about the famous Dutch studio Total Design. The project is taking place at Spin as part of Akane’s year in industry for Unit Editions.

Total Design, a multidisciplinary art studio, was founded by a group of idealistic Dutch designers including Wim Crouwel, Benno Wissing, Friso Kramer, and the Schwarz Brothers in Amsterdam in 1963. The book TD 63-73 will cover an up close and personal history of the studio from 1963 to 1973. Adrian Shaughnessy, co-founder and editor of Unit Editions, says that we must not underestimate Total Design’s contribution to modern design:

“Total’s legacy has been substantial…Their work still stands up today – clear, functional but with real expressive bite.”

Reflecting on her experiences working this revealing project, Akane comments:

“In my internship at Spin (for Unit Editions), I have had a fantastic experience working under Tony Brook and Adrian Shaughnessy…I had a great opportunity to go through Total Design’s extensive archive of projects and artefacts. I was astonished to see how much effort and attention was put into producing such a book.

It sounds very basic, but I had not realised that constant discussions and dialogues were so vital in project development. I have also noticed their extraordinary sense of detailing which has begun to inform my own practice now.

I am very much excited about seeing the published book, as well as the Wim Crouwel Exhibition at Design Museum in March, which we are currently working on!”

You can read more about TD 63-73 and the golden age of Total Design on the Creative Review website, where editor and co-founder of Unit Editions, Adrian Shaughnessy, is interviewed. To pre-order a copy of TD 63-73 (£35 a copy), visit the Unit Editions website.

The upcoming Wim Crouwel Exhibition, which Akane has been working on during her time in industry, takes place at the Design Museum from 30 March – 3 July 2011.