Syracuse University News: Warehouse Display Pays Tribute to Design Alumnus for Creative Headwear and Sports Gear

An exhibit showcasing helmets designed by Bert Straus ’59 highlights the evolution of headwear and protective sports equipment. Inspired by a helmet-to-helmet collision during a televised sports game, Straus developed the ProCap, covering the outer surface with a urethane foam shell to enhance safety in sports.

Straus’ career in industrial design is highlighted at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse through a display curated by Don Carr, a professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Design. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the designer’s work from each decade, showcasing the progression of his helmet designs over the years.

From the initial “ugly” ProCap I to the more aesthetically pleasing ProCap II and the vented ProCap III, Straus constantly adapted his designs to meet industry demands. His latest innovation focuses on protecting against rotational accelerations that cause concussions, reflecting his commitment to advancing safety in sports equipment.

The exhibit at the Warehouse window display on West Fayette Street will be on view until mid-October, inviting visitors to explore the evolution of Straus’ design career. As Straus plans to visit Syracuse University in the fall, students can look forward to learning from his experience and gaining insight into the evolving field of industrial design. This unique opportunity allows both students and the designer to reflect on the profession’s development over seven decades.