This “Alex” television set is a student project by Horst Giese and Jürgen Peters. Both studied industrial design at the Academy of Art Berlin-Weißensee in the 1950s. Supervised by lecturer Rudi Högner, they designed this revolutionary, minimalist case in 1957, which deliberately set itself apart from the bulky, wood-panelled “audio cabinets” that were common at the time.
On the screen, you can see the logo of the state-owned enterprise (VEB) Stern-Radio – a musical note with a star. This trademark was designed by Rudi Högner and visually embodies the company’s advertising slogan: “A new note in form and technology”. The close collaboration between teachers and students at the art college with the Weißensee-based VEB Stern-Radio reflects the university’s aim to provide a strong practice-oriented approach.
“Alex” and more objects and stories from 80 years of Academy of Art Berlin-Weißensee are on display from 16 April in the special exhibition “Designing for Berlin. Design from the Weißensee Art College”.
