Time for designers to give up the ghost and apply for that job in poundland? Stephen Bayley of The Observer argues no. “The profession of consultant designer began in America’s Great Depression when a team of cheerful opportunists led by Raymond Loewy, Henry Dreyfuss and Norman Bel Geddes persuaded consumers that life would not be complete without a streamlined, chrome wastebin, so America designed itself out of recession and back into consumerised prosperity.”

Baileys article argues that better design and architecture will make us all better off. Well worth a read.

Pre Crunch Car Range Rover in black: imperiously comfortable, wantonly greedy.
Pre Crunch Corporate architecture Mirror-glass tower with pseudo-Norman Foster details and a PR-invented name inspired by nursery-school metaphors.

Post Crunch Car Toyota iQ: brilliant packaging makes status attributes of intelligence and responsibility.
Post Crunch Corporate architecture Earth-bermed, biodegradable eco-cave made of salvaged materials compacted on-site; leafy succulents cover roof.
(www.reestore.com).