In "Theory and History of Design. Lectures, Edition Bauhaus 41," the fundamental relationship between design and art in the 19th and 20th centuries is first explored, establishing a connection to ecological design. The volume contrasts two poles of design development in the late 20th century: design in Italy and in Japan. Furthermore, the lectures follow a loose chronological order, addressing international design movements since the 19th century: from Michael Thonet through the Chicago School in the USA, Russian Constructivism, the Werkbund and Bauhaus in Germany, de Stijl in the Netherlands, to Alvar Aalto in Scandinavia and postmodern design in 1970s Italy. The publication is based on the reconstructed lectures of Heinz Hirdina. Numerous illustrations clarify the content.