The Good Life

Opening last week of the far, far west side of Manhattan is The Good Life: New Public Spaces For Recreation. This major exhibition explores the reinvention of urban public spaces to meet the demands of 21st century recreation and leisure. The exhibition showcases the most promising paradigms of how 21st century leisure – recreation, fun, education, relaxation – is being designed into the everyday physical realm of the built environment. The exhibition presents an array of new projects in cities around the world designed by esteemed international practitioners including Martha Schwartz, Ken Smith, Weiss/Manfredi Architects, Vito Acconci, SHoP Architects, Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, Walter Hood, David Adjaye, West 8, FAT and Thomas Heatherwick. This exhibition illustrates how such spaces play an essential role in elevating the quality of daily life and urban regeneration.

While it is a trek, (it’s on the very end of Pier 40) the space and exhibition design is interesting. It was created by Amale Andraos and Dan Wood of WORKac. They used a winding heavy scrim to break the space into 5 smaller areas each presenting a theme. Various sized lcd screens were sewn into the scrim and deliver multimedia content. The space also has a stage area and a weekend cafe staffed by folks from meatpacking staple Florent. The exhibition’s visual identity, motion graphics and catalogue were designed by Prem Krishnamurthy and Adam Michaels of Project Projects.

The Good Life: New Public Spaces For Recreation
A Van Alen Institute Exhibition
September 8 – October 1, 2006
Hudson River Park’s Pier 40, West Street at W. Houston Street
Opening hours: Wed–Fri, 10–7pm; Sat–Sun, 12–6pm

More photos here on IF!