Confronting the Realities of Mass Manufacturing
This article is a part of our Design special section that explores innovative interpretations of antique design styles. The “Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art showcases the work of around 40 designers who strive to bridge the gap between design ideals and the challenges posed by mass manufacturing.
One striking example is the Ore Streams Low Chair (2017) by Formafantasma, an Italian design studio. This chair is constructed from recycled metal and mobile-phone scrap, highlighting the issue of electronic waste. The chair’s angled planes are reminiscent of a flip phone, showcasing the studio’s creativity and commentary on the global overabundance of electronic waste.
According to Paola Antonelli, MoMA’s senior curator of architecture and design, responsible design doesn’t have to sacrifice pleasure, delight, and elegance. The exhibition features 80 objects, mostly from the museum’s collection, showcasing the use of materials that can repair themselves, transform waste into refined objects, and merge advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. The goal is to understand the impact of materials on buildings, projects, and the world as a whole.
Reinvented Park Along the Mississippi River
Tom Lee Park in Memphis, a 30-acre green space along the Mississippi River, has recently undergone a transformation. Developed by the Memphis River Parks Partnership, with architecture by Studio Gang and landscape design by SCAPE, the park has been revitalized from a patchy grass area into a vibrant environment filled with native plantings and trees.
A highlight of the park is the Sunset Canopy, a 16,000-square-foot pavilion featuring tripod-like steel columns and laminated timber beams. The pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the area’s industrial history and includes 79 pyramidal roof elements to allow natural light into the interior. It houses multiple basketball courts and serves as a flexible space for community activities and concerts. The pavilion is dedicated to Tyre Nichols, a young Black man who tragically lost his life in a confrontation with Memphis police officers.
Renowned artist James Little, known for his geometric abstractions, has contributed to the project by creating an artwork called “Democratic Experiment” for the surface around the pavilion. The artwork features vibrant diagonal bars in various shades, adding a dynamic and inviting element to the park. Little believes that art should be accessible to everyone, and this project allows art to reach a wider audience.
A New York Outpost for New and Antique Tiles
Bert & May, the tile brand inspired by Lee Thornley’s boutique hotel in Cádiz, Spain, is expanding to New York City. Known for its moorish-influenced style, Casa La Siesta features antique tiles salvaged by Thornley himself. Due to the constant compliments and inquiries about where to find similar tiles, Thornley decided to start his own tile business in 2013.
Now, Bert & May not only sources antiques but also creates its own handcrafted tiles. Their New York outpost, located at Incolour, a paint store and color showroom near TriBeCa, will offer their complete palette of 40 pigments. These tiles, according to Thornley, have stood the test of time and will continue to be relevant in the future. Their collection includes cement tiles with a Mediterranean flair, geometric patterns, and colorful stripes.
Bert & May has gained recognition from notable clients such as Prince Harry, Sienna Miller, and the private club Soho House. Expanding to New York City was a natural step for the brand, as it allows them to reach a wider audience and further establish their presence.
Landscape Architect Donates Decades of His Photographs
Alan Ward, an esteemed landscape architect, has generously donated his vast collection of photographs to the Cultural Landscape Foundation. This nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. aims to educate and advocate for the appreciation of designed landscapes.
Ward’s collection, known as the Alan Ward Portfolios of Designed Landscapes, will be integrated into the foundation’s public online databases alongside other historic and contemporary views of terrain. The photographs capture various landscapes shaped by Ward and his colleagues over four decades of travel. From Neolithic stone circles in Britain to rectilinear paths commissioned by French royals, Ward’s images document both ephemeral works of art and the designers’ intent as landscapes evolve over time.
Ward’s collection primarily consists of black-and-white photographs, which add a level of abstraction to the scenes. He meticulously researches each site prior to his visits but embraces the unique character of each place upon arrival. By immersing himself in the surroundings, Ward captures the essence of these landscapes. His donation to the Cultural Landscape Foundation ensures that his photographs will be preserved and accessible to future generations.
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