Over 100 products designed by Dieter Rams are the subject of an exhibition at a Paris gallery, which explores the German designer's philosophy of "less but better" (+ slideshow).
The Dieter Rams – Less But Better exhibition at Espace 24b is named after the former Braun designer's iconic slogan, which summed up his approach to industrial and furniture design.
"With over 400 products designed by him and his team, Rams' contribution to the history of industrial design is considerable," said a statement from the gallery.
601 Chair for Vitsœ
More than 100 of these designs are on show within the compact exhibition created by scenographer Théophile Calot.
RT20 tube radio
Curators Yves Couchaux, Grégory Mesrié and Ivan Mietton chose each object to demonstrate Rams' 10 Principles of Good Design – the set of rules he created, followed and advocated throughout his career.
Braun Portable Transistor Radio Phonograph TP1
These principles – listed at the end of this article – ensured that his products were technologically advanced and, above all, easy to understand how to use.
Portable Transistor Radio Phonograph TP1
They also led to the minimal and "timeless" aesthetic that Rams has become internationally renowned for, and heavily influenced the look and functionality of Apple's tech products.
T1000 radio, closed
Rams is best known for his work with German industrial design brand Braun, where he began designing products in 1955. Six years later, he was appointed as the company's chief design officer – a position he held until 1995.
His most recognisable products for the brand include the RT20 tube radio and the SK55 turntable, both of which are on display in the exhibition. A range of the German designer's clocks, desk accessories and other music equipment is also on show.
T1000 radio
In 1959, Rams started designing furniture for British furniture company Vitsœ, which still produces his products such as the 606 Universal Shelving System – a modular wall-mounted storage solution.
T3 radio
The shelves are used to present objects in the exhibition, located beside a version of his 601 Chair for Vitsœ. Smaller designs are laid out across large white tabletops within the gallery's brick-vaulted rooms.
Braun HI-FI: L 450 speakers, TS 45 control unit, TG 60 tape recorder
Dieter Rams – Less But Better runs until 14 June at Espace 24b, 24 Rue Saint Roch, Paris.
