The Final form

The final form printed edition is now out. This is a special edition of form magazine (issues 300+301). It’s both a celebration of its journey and a poignant farewell, marking the end of an era.

Inside, the pages unfold with discussions about beauty, AI’s sense of aesthetics, graphic design intricacies, and even the cultural history of mirrors. A discourse on Camp David’s brand and hasty aesthetic judgments adds depth to the content.

It’s hard to believe that after 66 years, this journey concludes. Back in the day, the founders could never have imagined the legacy they were setting in motion. The news of form magazine’s final chapter is tinged with sadness. From 1957 to 2023, it has graced our lives, and now it bids farewell due to an array of challenges, including the dynamic shifts in media consumption patterns. It’s essential to note that the magazine’s closure doesn’t stem from its fundamental ideological values. Rather, it’s the culmination of various factors, such as the surge in paper costs and the changing reading preferences, that have prompted their decision.

The editorial of the last issue underscores a regrettable reality—it serves as a mirror to our capitalist society where securing funds for inventive, culturally significant, and imaginative ventures like form is a huge challenge. This sobering reality inadvertently accentuates the relatively diminished regard for design in Germany when compared to other industries. This disparity becomes strikingly evident when we examine the financial allocations that have been channeled into political ventures in recent years, often yielding results that fall short of expectations.

Form, established in 1957 by Jupp Ernst, Willem Sandberg, Curt Schweicher, and Wilhelm Wagenfeld, has undergone a series of transformations and currently boasts a robust brand presence. In 2012, Peter Wesner assumed ownership of both the magazine and the form publishing house, fostering their growth in Frankfurt alongside his wife, Barbara Glasner. Their focus revolves around enriching the realms of design, architecture, and corporate publishing through innovative book releases.

Throughout its journey, chief editors have played an instrumental role in shaping Form’s essence. This influence traces back to Karl-Heinz Krug, who dedicated 36 years to the magazine’s evolution from 1962 to 1998. The legacy continued with Petra Schmidt (1999–2005), Gerrit Terstiege (2006–2012), Sophie Lovell (Executive Editor, 2012–2013), Stephan Ott (2012–2019), and, since 2020, Nina Sieverding and Anton Rahlwes as co-chief editors.

Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on the last form magazine edition. We extend heartfelt gratitude for the thought-provoking articles that have been a part of our lives. To our colleagues, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.