PLAYFUL
PLAYFUL New Finnish Design (2009) exhibited new innovations from Finland with a focus on play and creativity as elementary forces in human life. Through a playful approach, creative solutions can be found even to the most difficult challenges. Emphasizing quality of life, green solutions, and life-long learning, PLAYFUL presented a range of insightful solutions by forward-thinking designers and companies. The underlying themes – environment & innovation, and creativity & education – were highlighted by a series of events, a seminar and workshops for both adults and children.
PLAYFUL boasted a wide array of design items and concepts from architecture and urban planning to furniture, fashion and video. It featured 20 individual designers and companies, as well as three comics artists, and was curated by interior architect Esa Vesmanen.
Both the exhibition architecture and the visual image were bold, and stood out in the busy Meatpacking District. Gansevoort Plaza and nearby streets were invaded by eight ocean containers equipped with low energy lighting fixtures and display structures manufactured with recycled plastic. These mini-showrooms created an exciting and fun setting to present the designs.
