Karl Clauss Dietel - of design and true sustainability

Prof. Karl Clauss Dietel, 1934–2022
Prof. Karl Clauss Dietel, 1934–2022

Karl Clauss Dietel was a renowned German industrial designer known for his unique interplay of form, function and sustainability. Born in Reinholdshain near Chemnitz in 1934, he had a significant influence on German design. His work encompassed a wide range of products, including furniture, lighting and household appliances. Dietel was excelled in his holistic approach to design, which combined aesthetic elegance with practical functionality.

His emphasis on sustainability was particularly noteworthy: he favoured recyclable materials, promoted the longevity of his products and advocated environmentally friendly production. As a professor at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, he influenced numerous up-and-coming designers and had a lasting impact on the design landscape. Dietel's uniqueness lay not only in his aesthetic innovations, but also in his strong commitment to ecological responsibility and social awareness, which still distinguishes his work today.

Both in the GDR and after the German reunification, Dietel worked as a freelance designer for a long time. He did not always have it easy, as freelancers in his field were often forced out of larger projects. Many of his approaches were pioneering and ahead of their time.

"I have always tried to make things that represent an alternative within the limits of what is possible." – Karl Clauss Dietel, 2020
– Karl Clauss Dietel, 2020

Many of his designs, such as the Wartburg 353 or successor models to the Trabant, were never realised. However, his design and the associated philosophy were well received and inspired the creative minds of his time.

Erika typewriter

Dietel designed legendary typewriters. Over 500,000 Erika 50/60 models were produced, and around 80,000 of the Erika 110/120 models.

Simson S 51

Nostalgic cult status – and for good reason: the Simson S 50/S 51 series was revered, modified and kept in top condition even years after production ended in 1989. With over 1.6 million vehicles produced, it is the most frequently built moped in Germany.

Heliradio RS 2 F

Dietel developed various series for the GDR manufacturer Heliradio - with a signature that bears all his marks: Geometric, minimalist and almost indestructible.

The Open Principle and the Five Big L's

Even at a time when sustainability was not as much of a focus as it is today, Dietel recognised the importance of design decisions for the environment and future generations. He understood that the choice of materials and production processes can have a direct impact on the environment. Dietel advocated the use of recyclable materials and emphasised the importance of durable products that are easy to repair. These principles, which he incorporated into his design approach back then, are of paramount importance today as we increasingly face the challenges of climate change and scarcity of resources. Dietel's insights into the importance of sustainability in design are therefore more relevant today than ever and serve as an inspiration for designers and companies who want to promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

In the early 1980s, Dietel published his product philosophy entitled "The Five Big Ls", which incorporated the Open Principle and posed questions regarding durability and use. Dietel believed that our things should be "long-lasting":

“Humanity points beyond the time of a human being. Things are not to be designed for the day and soon to be thrown away, but for long use. The patina of use as an aesthetic appeal of use and need must be possible on the products. Moral wear and tear should not come before, but after the end of use. The ancients made and built things that served at least three generations. Today, one generation very often throws things away more than three times. This principle is to be overcome by attitude. It presupposes an ‘open principle of design’.”

"The Open Principle enables the user to change their product without having to throw it away."
– Karl Clauss Dietel, 2020

As early as 1969, he developed a philosophy that followed the "Open Principle". According to this principle, a design should be created in such a way that it is allows for maintenance, repair and, if necessary, the replacement of individual components if technological advances make this necessary. The effects of this can be seen in the S 50 moped from the manufacturer Simson Suhl. Based on the basic design by Clauss Dietel and Lutz Rudolph from 1967, around 15 generations of the moped were developed by the end of the GDR. The elements of the modular design were largely freely positioned and could be reused even if they were technically modernised. This flexibility also allowed for customised variants. In combination with timeless shapes, this resulted in durable and environmentally friendly objects.

RK5 Sensit stereo receiver and LK20 spherical loudspeakers from HELIRADIO
RK5 Sensit stereo receiver and LK20 spherical loudspeakers from HELIRADIO

The Five Big Ls according to Dietel are:

  • Langlebig (durable)
  • Leicht (light)
  • Lütt (small/minimal)
  • Lebensfreundlich (pleasant)
  • Leise (quiet)

The proceeds of the European Duck Race honour the work of Karl Clauss Dietel

With the duck race, we not only want to make a contribution to Chemnitz’s role as a European Capital of Culture, but also honour a special person. That is why we will use the proceeds to create a lasting memory. We already have many ideas for this, but will make the decision after the event.