Konstantin Grcic at the AIC

This winter, the Art Institute of Chicago presents German designer Konstantin Grcic‘s first US solo show. Grcic has made a career of subverting and reinterpreting familiar social and cultural references in such a way as to make them strangely, fascinatingly, unfamiliar. His minimalistic work sharpens the senses, making us question common objects we so often… Continue reading Konstantin Grcic at the AIC

Bocci’s Pleated Bench

Bocci‘s 25.2 Bench marks a new leaf for the young, Vancouver-based contemporary design and manufacturing house. Previously known primarily for large chandelier installations and custom fabrications, this new direction is a welcome addition. Designed by Omer Arbel, the upholstered 25.2 Bench explores material qualities and folding and pleating techniques. Conventional upholstery generally relies on foam… Continue reading Bocci’s Pleated Bench

Design for a Living World at the Cooper-Hewitt: Not to be Missed

Not to be missed: Design for a Living World at the Cooper-Hewitt, organized by The Nature Conservancy, through January 2010. Ten leading designers have been commissioned to develop new uses for sustainably grown and harvested materials in order to tell a unique story about the life-cycle of materials and the power of conservation and design.… Continue reading Design for a Living World at the Cooper-Hewitt: Not to be Missed