From the tin can to the rubber shoe sole, from telecommunications to aviation: In the 20th century, wars posed challenges to designers and creators. Functionalism, cost and material efficiency, as well as ease of use, were just as important as consideration for national cultural horizons and ideological or political directives. In few other areas of human interaction does good design in war potentially determine the life and death of the user. Design is not only a servant of war, but both share some commonalities: design and war are - albeit in very different ways - shaping forces that influence materials, national identities, and landscapes. The authors examine specific forms and contextualize design objects in terms of material history. They also inquire about the ethical and...