Event Review: What is Good Design Now?

Last night, VW and Slate.com hosted a night of design discussion at the New York Museum of Art & Design. On the panel were Paula Scher- Graphic Designer and Parter at Pentagram, Ahmad Sardar-Afkhami- Architect, and Jonathan Adler– Furniture Designer. The discussion centered around how design is being affected by and adapting to today’s challenges.

Paula Scher who is the first professional graphic designer to have a seat on the New York City Arts Commission talked about the challenges to designing parks in NYC. Although the Arts Commission does review city parks that receive public funding, Scher said there is no centralized process to applying budget money. In essence each public space is treated as a one off expenditure. Scher commented that you can find many examples in the city where a public space on one side of the street will have granite curbs while across the street, concrete.

The recently undone Tropicana carton prompted comments from the panel on what is considered bad design these days. Jonathan Adler said bad design is overly considered. Excessive market testing is basically the pathway to bland. Adler talked about a new ceramic flower vase he is getting ready to launch which created some resistance in-house. Adler though often finds that the designs he thinks are most risky turn out to be the best sellers.

Ahmad Sardar-Afkhami responded to a question about how he is working through the recession. He said it has been important to keep asking questions. What is excessive? As an architect, Afkhami is interested in economies of space these days. While working on a brownstone project for a chef, Afkhami wanted the kitchen to be a separate distinct space to respect the classic three room per floor plan. His client though wanted the spaces to engage each other more. Afkhami’s solution was to have a ‘floating dining room’ that could be set up in the parlor or library encouraging different experiences for dinner guests.

VW featured one of their new CC sedans in the museum lobby. You can download the entire talk from the Slate website here.