IMPACTxDESIGN
An NYCxDESIGN competition sponsored by Caesarstone
In collaboration with Design Trust for Public Space, Dumbo BID, and Downtown Alliance
Outdoor, public gathering space has always been a precious commodity in NYC as it is key to fostering engagement and community connection. Especially after a year of remaining inside and physically apart, these spaces are essential to reconnecting, reenergizing, and reestablishing strong community.
NYCxDESIGN is proud to present IMPACTxDESIGN; A new design competition in partnership with Caesarstone to showcase how design can enhance public space and foster engagement. Designers were invited to submit proposals that introduce new opportunities for public gathering with the use of Caesarstone material as the primary fabrication resource.
Evaluated amongst a strong pool of proposals, with over fifty submissions, designers Kickie Chudikova and Karim Rashid each presented compelling installation concepts. As IMPACTxDESIGN winners, Kickie and Karim will work closely with NYCxDESIGN, Caesarstone, the Design Trust for Public Space, Dumbo Improvement District, and Downtown Alliance to refine their design concepts for two specific installation sites located in Downtown Manhattan and Dumbo Brooklyn, city-centers for the arts and commerce, unveiling this Fall.
Turn Out by Karim Rashid | Downtown Manhattan
As teased in its name, Karim’s proposal makes creative use of negative space by turning Caesarstone slabs on their side horizontally and cutting out abstract shapes that are then repurposed to form a series of connected benches and tables. The design offers a range of gathering spaces, from semi-enclosed areas to long, linear seating and playful zig-zag layouts. Inspired as a zero waste design concept, Turn Out consists of just three elements cut from a single sheet of quartz to minimize excess material. The benches are also reconfigurable to ensure the installation can evolve with the changing needs of its environment.
“At the moment, we are collectively experiencing a wake-up call from mother nature, urging us to think about slowing down, communicating honestly, consuming less, enjoying and appreciating our existence,” says Karim. “The Turn Out concept creates a space that engages curiosity and delight.”
As one of today’s prolific industrial designers, Karim’s portfolio spans product, furniture, lighting, and surface design, as well as brand identity, packaging, interior design, and building design.
Spiral of Life by Kickie Chudikova | Dumbo Brooklyn
Drawing inspiration from the waves of the Hudson River and the sculptures of Isamu Noguchi, Spiral of Life is an adaptive installation that offers a place to sit, contemplate, and re-energize while enjoying the impressive Dumbo vistas. This modular bench consists of waterjet-cut stone pieces connected by a single metal structure, forming an organic shape with a series of generously-sized individual seats for social distancing. Leaving no material to waste, Chudikova devised clever side tables fabricated out of cutouts from the seating.
“Thanks to its modularity, Spiral of Life can be adjusted in size and shape,” notes Chudikova. “It can work as a singular element, a pair of seats, a circle, or a continuous undulating wave, creating the ideal place to gather safely with friends and enjoy the fresh air outdoors.”
Chudikova opened her eponymous Brooklyn-based studio last year, where she designs products, furniture, objects, and lighting.
Please reach out to office@nycxdesign.com with any questions.
