PSFK Visits BKLYN Designs 2010

The 8th annual BKLYN Designs event took place this past weekend in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Held at St. Ann’s Warehouse, the show once again featured a curated collection of Brooklyn-based designers and craftspeople. While overall the size of the show is a fraction of next weekend’s ICFF, the organizers have brought together a wide range of contemporary craftsmanship work and forward looking design ideas. Products on display ranged from furniture and home accessories to interactive LED lighting and skateboards. The show has a distinct Brooklyn vibe and highlights the fact that there is still manufacturing going on in the industrial areas of Brooklyn like the Navy Yard and the Greenpoint Manufacturing Design Center. The following photos are some of the work that caught our eye.

The Cyclone Lounger from Uhuru has a wood seating surface made of reclaimed Ipe wood from the Coney Island boardwalk. The shape is inspired by the iconic Cyclone rollercoaster.

718 Made in Brooklyn is a new company with products inspired from the streets and subway tunnels of Brooklyn. The company makes and sells illuminated reproductions of subway signs and the portable track worker lights.

More subway inspired products from The Katch Design Company. Their I-beam bench and seating takes inspiration from the exposed architectural structure in the subway stations. The base of the benches are made from aluminum and to top is reclaimed timber.

Palo Samko has an incredible talent for craftsmanship. His furniture pieces which take months to complete include interesting material inlays like gears from wristwatches. He also does small sculpture peices like this airship covered in small figures including President Obama and the First Lady.

Robert Stratton, the founder of Madbutter had a large interactive LED video installation on display. There was both a floor and wall panel who’s patterns and colors changed when they were walked on or touched.

More fun stuff from Daniel Moyer Design who brought a collection of vintage inspired hand crafted skateboards made of laminated wood strips.

Ram Metals presented a modern indoor outdoor chair formed from a single aluminum sheet.

Furthur Design’s glassware had simple profiles and interesting hex inlay patterns.

Finally, UM Project debuted a new collection of chairs and tables with clever details. The chairs are covered in thin felt panels. The tables have thin corian tops and color matched bases.