Explore NYCxDesign’s Downtown Design District This Month

By: Joseph Ferris

NYCxDESIGN returns to Lower Manhattan from May 10-22. The celebration is marked by the launch of the new Downtown Design District. The neighborhood has long been a destination for art lovers and firms in the field. Our square mile neighborhood features dozens of public art pieces that like Noguchi’s Red Cube and Isa Genzken’s Rose III. More than 100 architecture, design and engineering firms including SHoP Architects, Adjaye Associates and Studio Libeskind.

This year however marks the first time Lower Manhattan welcomes NYCxDesign to celebrate design and further the conversation of how it impacts our everyday lives. The NYCxDesign Downtown Design District events include shows, tours, talks and ceremonies. A full list is below.

SHOW: MVVO ART – AD ART SHOW 2019 At The Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center (Through May 31) – AD ART SHOW 2019 is a free presentation of a selection of curated work from artists working in advertising and design to the oversized digital screens at the Oculus. All art displayed will also be available for purchase. Work is displayed daily: Monday- Saturday (8a-10p) and Sunday (11a-7p). SHOW: Zaha Hadid Design Pop-Up (10 Corso Como, May 10-22) – Zaha Hadid Design, in conjunction with concept store 10 Corso Como New York, will unveil a bespoke installation to showcase the ZHD collection of design objects. Referencing the fluid lines of ZHD’s homeware pieces, the 3-meter-tall installation reinterprets 10 Corso Como’s logo through ZHD’s distinctive language. Located adjacent to the store’s main entrance, the installation features CNC milled surfaces and is enhanced by sinuous floor and wall graphics that coherently unify the ensemble. The pop-up is free to visit and open to the public from 11a-8p.

AWARD CEREMONY: The One Show (Cipriani’s, May 10 @ 6p) – The One Show is one of the most prestigious awards competitions in advertising, design, interactive and branded entertainment. Judged every year by top industry professionals, a Gold Pencil is the ultimate symbol of creative excellence. Tickets cost $500.

TOUR: 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center: Architecture, Urban Planning and History w/ AIANY (WTC Campus, May 11 @ 10a) – Experience the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center site, including the site’s master plan, design and development of each of the main structures–including the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, office towers and transportation hub. The tour ends with a cocktail at DRINKSXDESIGN participant, Eataly’s Osteria della Pace. Tickets cost $25.

TOUR: Renovating Fidi: Skyscrapers, Plazas And The Impact Of Zoning W/ AIANY (TBA, May 12 @ 10:30a) – Learn about Lower Manhattan’s significant spires of the 1930s and the reuse of older structures. Highlights include buildings by SOM, Pei Cobb Freed, Kevin Roche, Philip Johnson, Davis Brody, Tsao & McKown, and Frederic Schwartz. The tour wraps up with a last  stop at DRINKSXDESIGN participant, The Beekman Hotel. Tickets cost $30.

TALK: The Woolworth Building – Designing for the Next Generation (Woolworth Building, May 13 @ 6p) – Visit New York’s first skyscraper for a discussion on the potential for adaptive reuse of architectural icons. Led by Alex Saltzman of Alchemy Properties, the developer responsible for the condominium conversion of the The Woolworth Building and Clayton Whitman of the design team responsible for the transformation the 16th floor into a collaborative workplace. This free talk will be followed by a guided tour of the office.  

TALK: Fueling Change Through Design (Woolworth Building, May 14 @ 4p) – This is year chance to create an innovative product launch in New York. At this free event, small groups will develop an idea and pair it with local activations that draw upon inspiring visuals touchpoints that engage New Yorkers. Get a first-hand look at how to use design to motivate people to be pioneers of change.

TALK: Brands Bringing It – Dissecting Phygital Retail Experiences (Woolworth Building, May 14 @ 6p) – Hear from creative minds at SoulCycle, Nike SNKRS, and InStyle Magazine at this free event about how brands are responding to the constantly evolving phygital consumer behaviors, and what trends they see in the future.

AWARD CEREMONY: Annual NYCxDESIGN Awards and ICFF Party (Pier 17, May 20) – Presented by Interior Design Magazine and ICFF, the 4th annual NYCxDESIGN Awards and ICFF Party takes place at Pier 17 in the revitalized Seaport District, NYC. The ICFF Party immediately follows the NYCxDESIGN Awards. The Gala Party features open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. $100.

TOUR: Discover the Water Street Corridor w/ AIANY  (Water Street, May 19 @ 10:30a) – Discover the modern aspects of the historic Financial District with a final stop at 10 Corso Como, a DRINKSXDESIGN participant in the Seaport. Highlights include buildings by Pei Cobb Freed, SOM, Norman Jaffe, Emery Roth & Sons, Frederic Schwartz, SHOP, and Hanrahan Meyers. Tickets cost $25.

TOUR: Architectural Tour of the Oculus at Westfield WTC (Oculus, May 22 @ 5p) – A brief walking tour led by Join Isolde Brielmaier, PhD, the Executive Director & Curator, Arts at Culture & Community for a free walking tour that explores the space and architecture of the Oculus and surrounding area of Westfield World Trade Center. Meet at 4:50pm at the Concierge desk. First come, first serve basis with a 15 person capacity.