An urban architectural installation rises and reflects in New York
For New York Design Week, Mini’s innovative creative space A/D/O are hosting an architectural installation by London-based United Visual Artists. Spirit of the City taps into the way we interact with urban environments, allowing a humbling reflective moment during the bustle of design week.
‘Our goal was to create a simple, yet transformative experience that metaphorically and physically reflects the surroundings of A/D/O and New York City at large,’ explains Matt Clark, founder of UVA. Mirroring, quite literally, the changing nature of metropolitan locations, the 9ft high modular columns loom large while revolving for an enveloping experience. These rotations were not chosen random, the movement patterns are based on research from human activity in the city to create a 24-hour algorithm that alters from tranquil to urgent.
While wandering around the colossal totems, visitors can notice this kinetic energy reflected onto the ground in subtle shadows that produce a poetic web of lines. On the surface of the columns too, perspectives vary from calm sky blues to the raw industrial surrounds of the creative cove.
Founded in 2003, art practice UVA explore technology in their pieces that often transcend physical existence. Previous works have been hosted across the globe at institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum and YCAM, Japan. ‘Ultimately, Spirit of the City intends to pose the question, do our activities define our urban landscapes or do our urban landscapes define us?’ Clark muses.
When A/D/O first opened last year inside a converted warehouse in Brooklyn, the space spanned design-led retail to bars and restaurants exemplifying Mini’s ongoing design agenda. ‘At Mini we believe that design can tip the scales towards a more humane world,’ explains Esther Bahne, Mini’s head of brand strategy and business innovation. A/D/O inaugurated with Design Academy, a three-day festival for professional designers to explore cultural topics, and a year on, Spirit of the City marks it’s first significant showcase for NYCxDesign, and it will remain risen until 2 September.
See more from New York Design Week here
INFORMATION
Spirit of the City is on view until 2 September at A/D/O. For more information, visit the website
ADDRESS
A/D/O
29 Norman Ave
Brooklyn
NY 11222
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.
-
Focal launches Diva Utopia, wireless speakers for aesthetically minded audiophiles
Focal’s felt-clad Diva Utopia speakers bring high-fidelity wireless sound to a huge range of audio applications
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Watch: Jamie Dornan takes a bath in Le Courbusier’s villa for Loewe Perfumes
Jamie Dornan stars alongside Sophie Wilde in the new Loewe Perfumes 2024 campaign, shot by David Sims in Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
One to watch: Casey Zablocki’s Rocky Mountain surroundings feed into his vast sculptural work
Montana-based artist Casey Zablocki uses one of America’s largest kilns to create monumental ceramic, functional sculptures
By Dan Howarth Published
-
Nendo’s collaborations with Kyoto artisans go on view in New York
‘Nendo sees Kyoto’ is on view at Friedman Benda (until 15 October 2022), showcasing the design studio's collaboration with six artisans specialised in ancient Japanese crafts
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Italian craftsmanship comes to Los Angeles in this eclectic Venice Canals apartment
Boffi Los Angeles celebrates a juxtaposition of texture throughout a waterside bolthole
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Design Miami/Basel 2022 explores the Golden Age
Design Miami/Basel 2022, led by curatorial director Maria Cristina Didero, offers a positive spin after the unprecedented times of the pandemic, and looks at the history and spirit of design
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Kvadrat’s flagship New York showrooms encompass colourful design codes
Industrial designer Jonathan Olivares and architect Vincent Van Duysen have worked with Danish textile brand Kvadrat on the vast new space, also featuring furniture by Moroso
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
What to see at New York Design Week 2022
Discover Wallpaper’s highlights from New York Design Week 2022 (10 – 20 May 2022): the fairs, exhibitions and design openings to discover
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Colour defines LA ceramics studio and showroom of Bari Ziperstein
Step inside the multifunctional ceramics studio, office and showroom of designer and artist Bari Ziperstein, designed by local firm Foss Hildreth
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Design for Ukraine: Bocci and Design Miami join forces to raise funds
The online sale of iconic Bocci pieces will benefit GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, providing urgently needed humanitarian aid
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Designer Marcin Rusak rallies international creatives to raise funds for Ukraine
Raising funds for Poland’s Fundacja Ocalenie, Warsaw-based designer Marcin Rusak is making the most of Instagram’s immediacy, auctioning original pieces donated by international designers
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated