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Live at NeoCon: Design Standing Still

By Jacob Slevin on Monday, June 9th, 2008

Image: Live at NeoCon: Design Standing Still

I’d like to point everyone to Design Standing Still, an extraordinarily elegant installation by Harrington College of Design. Maybe it’s because I am somewhat fresh out of school myself (I studied architecture at Cornell University if any of our readers are wondering), but I am not surprised at all to see student work transcending the common show floor vibe - that being contract furniture and then more contract furniture, as far as the eye can see.

Design Standing Still speaks to the following question: are we moving forward and being progressive in interior design, or are we stuck? Particular design concepts and trends sometimes confuse our ability to think outside the box. For example, one obvious issue is green design. Another issue - less obvious but equally important - is confining fashion trends, which inhibit our individuality and creativity as we are all influenced by what others tell us is popular rather than following our own intuition. Another issue might be the desire to become rich and successful, which for many designers is an important goal, but should never be a guiding reason to inform what we do. Lastly, consider the issues surrounding temptation.

Whether you agree with the design philosophy or not, I promise you’ll be impressed with the display and craftsmanship. Additionally, it’s a nice departure from design as a profession and/or business and gives us all an opportunity to examine (or re-examine) design as a creative discipline. It’s witty. It’s smart. And it’s 100-percent worth your paying a visit.

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Jacob Slevin is a big bear with an even bigger heart. Trained as an architect at Cornell University, he has worked both at Frederic Schwartz Architects and then briefly at FXFOWLE Architects before beginning work on Designer Pages.

5 Comments Add your own

by Mary Howe June 11th, 2008

At last we have an exhibit asking difficult questions to our field. Are we stuck?? What a bold way to shake things up. Will we listen?

by George June 11th, 2008

Jacob,
Why don’t you mention the student from Harrington school of design that created the work? Her name, which you certainly know is Renee Maue. Although you do praise the work, her name should accompany the article. I saw it with the exhibit.

by Jacob Slevin June 11th, 2008

@ George, good of you to comment. I didn’t have all the students’ names whom participated in this project and therefore didn’t want to list some (and exclude others). Because you seem to have the inside beat, perhaps you can name the others as well. Cheers.

by gretchen June 12th, 2008

George, it was Renee’s original concept, but the entire class collaborated to create the final product. If you’re going to mention anyone, mention the entire team.

by 3rings » NeoCon Wrap Up July 9th, 2008

[…] On DAY 1 - June 9, 2008 - I wrote Live At NeoCon: Last Minute Tune Up, Live at NeoCon: Molo Design’s SoftSeating, Live at NeoCon: Leef, Live at NeoCon: Panelite Basel Lounge, and Live at NeoCon: Design Standing Still. […]

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