Course

Modern Industrial Design in the U.S.

Pierluigi Serraino
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Wednesday until Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
Price: $140.00
128 slots available
Join/Renew
Metal handle of modernist coffee pot

Step into the world of American industrial design and discover how everyday objects—from chairs and lamps to trains and consumer goods—have shaped the way we live. This course traces the rise of industrial design in the United States, from its roots alongside modern architecture to its postwar explosion of innovation fueled by new materials and technologies. We’ll explore the work of visionaries such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, and Rudolph Schindler, and dive into the game-changing contributions of George Nakashima, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Raymond Loewy. Along the way, we’ll examine how iconic designers helped define the identity of major companies like Herman Miller and Knoll, creating objects that are as functional as they are beautiful. Join us for an engaging journey into a field that surrounds us every day—and learn to see the designed world with fresh eyes.

Faculty Bio

Pierluigi Serraino, Ph.D., FAIA is the author of Modernism Rediscovered. His latest book is The Modern Garden: The Outdoor Architecture of Mid-century America.

This is a Livestreamed + Recorded Course

  • Classes will stream live on the scheduled day and time
  • Classes will also be video recorded
  • You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and ends on Wednesday, Nov. 4
  • Classes meet for 4 weeks, 1.5 hours per session (10:30 AM–noon)
  • All course materials will be available in Member Dashboards through Dec. 31

Member Praise for Pierluigi Serraino

Pierluigi is a wonderful instructor--I always learn something new from him, as well as something to think about. He always opens my eyes.

Course materials, organization, Pierluigi's deep knowledge of the specific area and ability to fit it into larger context of regional traditions and international design trends, and receptivity to participant questions & observations ... all great! Highly recommend!

Faculty Q&A