Living by Design: The Partners of Pentagram

'Living by Design' by the partners of Pentagram is a book which introduces the reader to the practice of design. It is about the work of a major British design studio and comprehensively illustrates that work. There are over 800 illustrations supported not only be a running text, but also by a collection of 19 essays on design theory and practice.

The introductory essay attempts a definition of design, and establishes the structure of the book, which is divided into 16 sections under 4 main headings: 1) Identity design 2) Information Design 3) Environment Design 4) and Product Design. Each section is prefaced by an essay which is loosely related to the ensuing text and pictures.

The fifth and final part of the book is devoted to Pentagram and the people who work there. It has two essays which describe how the partnership operates. Thus the essays deal with the theory of design and the practical sections illustrate its practice.