Adrian Madlener, History of Design and Curatorial Studies ’18, Explores Design Through Writing and Research
Since Adrian Madlener began his writing career, he’s seen the publishing and news industry change drastically. His first role, as the web editor for Amsterdam-based Frame Magazine, was considered an internship, highlighting the discrepancy between print journalism and digital content.
Now, Madlener writes for a variety of leading design publications and brands, including Wallpaper* Magazine, Dwell, Metropolis, Rizzoli, Puiforcat, and more. Although he initially went to the Design Academy Eindhoven in The Netherlands for industrial design, he realized his passion lay in writing and research, which led him to the History of Design and Curatorial Studies MA at Parsons School of Design.
“I decided to pursue a master’s in the Parsons/Cooper Hewitt History of Design program in order to get a better foundation for what I was writing about,” explains Madlener. “For very long, this domain focus never really looked back or tried to contextualize what was coming next. With a growing appreciation for antiques (heirloom pieces), material culture nostalgia, and architectural history as a means of consuming less, the focus on traditional trend cycles has shifted and stratified.”
As a journalist, Madlener is most interested in long-form profiles that highlight a designer’s process, as well as deeply researched think pieces that allow him to go in-depth on a specific cultural trend.
“I’m most interested in experimentation and adjacency, the notion of bringing two seemingly disparate practices or trades together to forge something new and truly innovative,” he shares. “As traditional media continues to go through seismic changes, these types of assignments have been harder and harder to come by. However, a new crop of brand-sponsored publications that avoid blatant self promotion are providing space again for this type of writing.”
Studying at Parsons provided a foundation for Madlener to pursue writing that’s been focused on collectible and craft-led design. In his work for leading design publications, he’s profiled the designer Kelly Behun, explored the burgeoning design scene in Mexico City, and highlighted standout pieces from design fairs around the world, among a variety of topics. He’s also consulted on curatorial projects, and collaborated with brands on copywriting assignments.
“During my time at Parsons, making certain contacts and establishing professional relationships with certain mentors that continue to offer support was an even greater benefit.”
Next up, Madlener is working on a feature about a San Francisco design duo’s live/work space, where he’s focused on how they strike a balance within the space to accommodate living, working, and more.