AGENCY (noun) is defined as:
1a: the office or function of an agent
1b: the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
2: the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power
3: a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved
4: an establishment engaged in doing business for another
5: an administrative division (as of a government)
This year, SDD celebrates its 10th anniversary: 10 years of design experiences, networking, and creativity in the company of the best design brands and an ever-growing community of professionals and design lovers. To mark this milestone, we offer a rich program of activities throughout the year, an extended opportunity to discover the latest in design during the May Festival (16-23), and an open invitation to visit all our spaces on SoHo Design Day, Saturday, May 18.
Mirror in the Mirror, the most recent collaborative book between architect Kengo Kuma and photographer Erieta Attali, was born from the authors’ shared desire to transcend the limits of architecture and imagery and enhance the sensorial experience of the featured spaces. Attali’s photographs capture the interconnectedness of the built space with nature central to Kuma’s design practice where architecture reaches out into its surrounding environment, bringing nature back into its interiors. Meticulously crafted by designers Koma Amok for Hartmann Books, Mirror in the Mirror is a narrative depicting atmospheric moments and thresholds of transition, in an unfolding interplay of light and texture.
Coastal zones are among the most dynamic and volatile environments on the planet. They also include some of our most treasured heritage sites. As the rate of climate change accelerates, addressing its impacts–from rising sea levels to coastal erosion–poses the greatest and most complex challenge that coastal heritage sites have ever faced.
Japanese art has an allure that transcends time, from the resplendent beauty of paintings on golden screens to the elegant lines of ikebana flower arrangements. In modern times, new technologies are revolutionizing our engagement with these art forms. High-precision replicas of precious paintings can be created, allowing the originals to be safely preserved, while still being accessible to the public. Meanwhile, contemporary artists are using technology to express traditional Japanese artistic concepts in novel ways. At this talk, Frank Feltens, Curator of Japanese Art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and Japanese new media artist and Professor of Kyoto University Naoko Tosa, creator of Sounds of Ikebana, examine the applications of technology in the world of Japanese art today. Moderated by Monika Bincsik, Diane and Arthur Abbey Curator for Japanese Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Imagine a tower-like dwelling made of tiny, triangular rooms stacked one above another—or a home with 18 rooms, each barely bigger than the furniture it holds. Since the end of World War II, Japanese architects have produced some of the most exceptional homes in the world. The Japanese House Since 1945, a new book by architect Naomi Pollock, presents the most compelling examples of these exceptional homes and highlights key developments in form, organization, material, architectural expression and family living for over eight decades. At this talk, the author will discuss a selection of the homes featured in her book. Moderated by Yoko Kawai, lecturer at Yale School of Architecture and co-founder of Mirai Work Space. Followed by a book sale and signing.
“Autentico. Design made in Puglia” is an immersive exhibition that will make its debut in the heart of New York’s chic Meatpacking District from November 10-17, 2023. Visitors will discover handcrafted furnishings and objects from 11 top-level Pugliese design brands, captivating photography by rising Pugliese photographer Piero Percoco, and enjoy special regional experiences. A vibrant celebration of Pugliese design and culture, ‘Autentico’ vividly depicts the rich history, emphasis on materiality and sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to both traditional craftsmanship and experimental innovation, all emblematic of the beautiful, mysterious, and historic region.
"Heavy Metal"—the newest, thought-provoking exhibition from Galerie56, is on view through Thursday, November 9. Curated by architect Lee F. Mindel, the exhibition examines the way metal has been utilized in design applications and scales across the 20th century and beyond and offers a glimpse into the material mechanics and meaning behind the work of design heavyweights such as Tony Duquette, Margaret Evangeline, Norman Foster, Gio Ponti, Jean Prouvé, Hechizoo, Josef Hoffman, Poul Kjaerholm, and more, along with displaying the metal chargers from the iconic Four Seasons at the Seagram Building.
Founded by architect Lee F. Mindel of the renowned firm SheltonMindel, Galerie56 is a unique platform and exhibition space that celebrates the intersection of art, architecture, and design. Objects range from $250 to $250,000. The gallery is open Monday–Friday from 10–6:00 PM and is located at 240 Church Street, NYC.
