photo by 11 Howard
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If You Love Design, You Need to Know About This Huge Event
If you love interior design and you love festivals, New York has the perfect fusion of both. And if you haven't heard of NYCxDESIGN, we are here to put it on your radar. From May 11th–23rd you can experience a global...
photo by 11 Howard
If you love interior design and you love festivals, New York has the perfect fusion of both. And if you haven't heard of NYCxDESIGN, we are here to put it on your radar. From May 11th–23rd you can experience a global celebration of design that takes place throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Think: exhibitions, open studios, panels, installations, product launches and incredible events that will be hosted everywhere from convention venues and galleries to design schools and public parks. In fact, we here at The Venue Report are so pumped about the event that we are one of the media partners. With a female empowerment panel, a walking tour of the city’s modern architecture and a runway show from the BKLYN Fashion Academy on the roster, this jam packed celebration will have you experiencing design from every angle.
How to navigate such a design-filled event? We have you covered from where to eat, stay and experience, and this is just a mere sampling of the design spree that takes over New York City every May.
How to navigate such a design-filled event? We have you covered from where to eat, stay and experience, and this is just a mere sampling of the design spree that takes over New York City every May.
Where to Eat
“Wanna grab a bite?” may be four of the easiest words to say, but “Where should we go?” are probably four of the most annoying. Social peeve addressed. Here are a few awesome spots to feed your tummy after feeding your design soul for the day. Many of these restaurants will be serving specific design-inspired cocktails throughout the event so that you can stop by during your design-filled schedules to have an NYCxDESIGN-inspired cocktail. The participating restaurants and details will be released prior to the event.
You're feet are going to be barking after your first full day of NYCxDESIGN, so it's only natural to take a load off within within the walls of a historic building that also doubles as a spectacular restaurant. Temple Court is located in The Beekman hotel and is helmed by star chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio who designed both the menu and interiors to reflect the rich history of its setting. This will be your go-to spot for brunch, lunch, drinks or dinner. Inside Tip: The cocktail menu out of this world, especially if you love literature (each cocktail is named after a famous author).
So you gotta stop to fill your belly, but at the same time you don't want to miss out on all of the experiences. It's only natural that you should be able to do both at the same time, right? The Zero Waste Bistro is a four day pop-up restaurant only open during NYCxDESIGN. The pop up has one philosophy: zero waste food. The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is hosting chefs from the Helsinki-based Restaurant Nolla to bring their zero waste food philosophy to New York. Enjoy a food and design experience that will help make our planet healthy. The pop-up restaurant builds on themes of circular economy, new material innovations and sustainable design. Find out more information here.
After a hefty day of indulging in design galore, a dinner at Nobu is a surefire way to get a delicious dining experience. Not only is the restaurant a 2017 NYCxDESIGN award winner in the Restaurant and Bar category, but Nobu Downtown was also designed by famed architect David Rockwell. The restaurant is a huge 12,500 sq.ft. space in a historic building set in the Financial District near many of the events.
If you are looking for a comfy place with dark mood lighting and sultry vibes after mixing and mingling with fellow design celebrators, make sure to swing by the Lower East Side and nab a cocktail or two at Beauty & Essex. Enter through its modern day pawn shop facade filled with quirky artifacts and vintage treasures. Once through the shop, head up the spiral staircase, go past the two story chandelier and voila, you will discover 4 magical dining rooms. Chef Chris Santos’ menu of globally-inspired, shareable plates will take your group on a culinary trip around the world.
Nestled in the heart of Tribeca, Bâtard is a modern European restaurant focused on seasonality and inspired by Chef Markus Glocker’s background and experiences. Choose from a two, three or four course menu with items ranging from hamachi crudo with barley miso to start to lamb shank ragu garganelli as your main, each paired artfully with wine, of course.
Eat at The Dining Room at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, New York
Photo by Daniel Dorsa for Bloomberg
Developed by noteworthy creatives and architects like the designer behind NYC’s famed Le Bernardin and Mondrian, The Dining Room at The Met was once a secret experience reserved only for museum staff and members. Now open to the public, there’s no better time than NYCxDESIGN to visit the once-hidden dining room overlooking Central Park.
The restaurant at The Museum of Arts and Design combines views of Columbus Circle and Central Park (go for the special sunset menu!) with artfully designed elements like a “sound wave” at a 15-foot communal table, lighting installations and unique video-art.
What to Experience
Next, let's dive into the design-focused experiences! After all, this is the whole reason you are going to this incredible design celebration. Before diving in, we must be clear that there are a ton of amazing events and installations throughout the five boroughs, we are merely sharing a tiny slice of this design heaven haven. Be sure to head to the NYCxDESIGN website and sort through the experiences based on your design interests. You will find a ton of design categories including architecture, furniture, urban design, product design and more.
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Experience the AIANY Architectural Boat Tours
New York, New York
Photo by AIANY Architectural Boat Tours
Forgo the duck tour and instead kick your NYCxDESIGN week celebration off with a boat tour hosted by a member of AIA New York. If you have always wanted to know more about the iconic architecture of New York City, you can embark on one of the five boat tours led by expert guides who will provide lively narration covering landmarks from all eras of the city’s history. You will take off from 62 Chelsea Piers and enrich your Manhattan experience. From Bridge, Architecture and Infrastructure to Lower Manhattan Architecture, AIANY has a tour for you.
On May 17th from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, the Tribeca Design District is opening its doors to their sixteen showrooms. Designs by Colony, Antiqueria and Bestmade will be on display. Exhibition openings and a cocktail reception will have you perusing showrooms and leaving inspired. You’ve earned it.
Moooi means beautiful in Dutch, with an extra ‘o’ thrown in for extra beauty. Started in 2001, Moooi is home to many nationally and internationally recognized designers. With a theory that design is a question of love, come enjoy Moooi’s 2018 Novelties & New Releases at NYCxDESIGN on May 18th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at their Moooi New York Showroom & Brand Store at 36 E. 31st Street.
Wanted Interiors is two things: an entertainment venue and a product showcase. While referencing Italian modernism, Wanted Interiors presents a living space within the Terminal Stores Building. On display will be designs from interior design students from the Rochester Institute of Technology and featured products from Mohawk Group and Flos with an interactive experience including augmented reality. The display will be live from May 19th - May 22nd, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm at Wanted Design Manhattan, Terminal Stores 269 11th Avenue.
On May 16th from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm you can join Duravit at their New York City showroom for an evening of festive signature cocktails, a first peek of their spring launches and more. Duravit was founded in 1817 in Germany and has been known as one of the leading suppliers of sleek bathroom furniture.
Into fashion? On May 19th and 20th from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fad Market hops from Brooklyn venue to Brooklyn venue celebrating curated designers. Join them for a special showcase of locally designed handcrafted goods—from tableware and textiles, to fashion and accessories. If you like to discover the best up-and-coming designers, this celebration is for you.
On May 19th and 20th from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, head to stunning venue Pioneer Works, a cultural center with educational programs, performances and exhibitions. Aimed towards experimentation and education, enjoy this admission free event and amp up your cultural knowledge.
Enjoy a community based talk series all about the “thoughts, goals, pressures and responsibilities of design for the enhancement and improvement of our future.” Tune into what the leading designers feel about the impact of design with the 2018 theme of 'From This Day Forward.' Past talks include Time Square Transformation, Designing to Sell and Virtual Design and Construction. Inside Scoop: The series will take place on May 14th - 17th from 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm and while the admission is free, you must register on the Design Pavilion Website here.
Experience the Lambert & Fils x Montauk Sofa Cocktail Event
New York, New York
Photo by Montauk Sofa
Celebrate the love of sofas everywhere. On May 17th from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Lambert & Fils x Montauk Sofa, 42 Lispenard Street, you can enjoy a cocktail party while previewing the latest collection of Montreal based lighting company Lambert & Fils and furniture maker Montauk Sofa. Enjoy never before seen products while sipping on a martini. We all know a little gin will make you grin.
Where to Stay
Blame it on that second glass of wine. Or on the cocktail you had after. Or on your friends for making you go to that late night bar. We know, we know, it's hard to call it a night when you are on high from all of the design buzz and inspiration. Not to worry though, the city that never sleeps has a ton of great places for you to sleep. If you are heading to a design-focused gathering, it's only natural that you would want to rest your weary head on an awesome bed within a well designed room at a super cool hotel.
NYCxDESIGN has some great hotel offers here, or you can find room blocks in the areas here.
NYCxDESIGN has some great hotel offers here, or you can find room blocks in the areas here.
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Indulge in the design of this Soho hotel while also giving back. Practicing conscious hospitality, 11 Howard donates a portion of your booking to charity. The design is Danish minimalism meets New York City with natural materials and muted colors. Bespoke furniture and curated art from contemporary artists adorn the halls. End the night at one of their two restaurants for a meal or a drink at the Library Lounge. Not in the mood for formal dining? Forgo the restaurant and order straight to your room.
Stay in the center of Brooklyn at The Williamsburg Hotel, an eight-story, 147-room hotel with design sensibilities of brick walls and blue plush bar stools to match NYCxDESIGN. Enjoy their Brooklyn High Tea over the weekend, try their delicious vegan pizza, wake up to the best latte art around town, bring your furry friend and ask for their curated cheese plate. With a tagline of “Sleep With a Local,” The Williamsburg Hotel will have you fitting right into the Brooklyn scene.
Take your pick of neighborhoods when it comes to AKA: Central Park, Times Square, Sutton Place, United Nations or Wall Street. What all of these hotel locations have in common is a peaceful and luxurious retreat from the city with a neighborhood experience. Whether you want to be near the shopping of Fifth Avenue or lodge next to The MET and the Guggenheim, AKA has an extended home for you.
At The William Vail in Brooklyn, it’s all about the details. You’ll find custom metalwork in each room as well as art in the lobby from Brooklyn artist Marela Zacarias. Take a dip in their 5,000 square foot Vale Pool, the longest hotel pool in Brooklyn and New York City. With four separate dining options from award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, have your pick from a rooftop bar or their Italian restaurant, Leuca. The William Vail also supports social change through artists and the community.
This Upper Midtown hotel celebrates both contemporary art and design. Two blocks from Central Park and a short walk to The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitby Hotel places you in the middle of New York’s restaurant, gallery and museum scene. Each of their 86 rooms are designed with floor to ceiling windows and some even boast a private terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline. The interiors are designed by Kit Kemp, a designer known for her unique, colorful and carefree spirit. After exploring the city through the lens of NYCxDESIGN, check into their Scholastic Spa for a facial or massage.
After a day celebrating with hundreds of thousands of fellow design lovers and designers from across the globe, head on over to Lower Manhattan and stay at The Beekman. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, this hotel has old world charm and a modern flair with an iconic nine-story atrium and a pyramidal skylight. Situated between the East and Hudson Rivers, The Beekman is surrounded by the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center. Don’t forget to have a bite to eat at Augustine, their Brasserie-style restaurant.
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