DIFFA by Design Installation “Invitation to Reflect” by Fogarty Finger
With MENU + Bower Studios + Maharam + UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP + Fox Fodder Farm
Fogarty Finger is partnering with MENU, Bower Studios, Maharam, UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP, and Fox Fodder Farm for an interactive installation to benefit the new DIFFA by Design 2022, a three-day event honoring the four-decade-long accomplishments of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA).
Taking place March 24-26 at Manhattan’s Center 415 (415 Fifth Avenue), DIFFA by Design 2022 invites the design community to create immersive installations that tell memorable stories and create Instagram-worthy moments for its annual fundraiser. The event raises funds for organizations providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues.
Designed by Fogarty Finger, “Invitation to Reflect” incorporates lighting and plinths by MENU; mirrors by Bower Studios; a rug by Maharam; with construction by UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP. The specific products featured include Carrie Portable LED Lamps by MENU, as well as Tall Plinths in black marble and accessories; Slim Archway Mirrors by Bower Studios; and a Swell, an area rug by Maharam in color 006 Forest. Overhead is a canopy of greenery evocative of nature and its calming power created by Fox Fodder Farm.
The arrangement of numerous mirrors in this serene installation prompts visitors to ponder the multi- dimensional challenges tied to living with HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues. In turn, reflection illuminates the role of the individual to identify solutions within one’s self and the greater collective. The tranquil space recharges those who interact with it, thus imparting energy to create change. Cards featuring conversation starters imprinted with backwards writing that when reflected in the mirror becomes legible prompt further introspection and conversation.
Installation Fact Sheet
Fogarty Finger Team: Alexandra Cuber; Taylor Fleming; Jenifer Tello; John Pampoukidis MENU Team: Jill Kupcha; Sanne Ytting
Bower Studios Team: Danny Giannella; Tammer Hijazi; and Jeffrey Renz
UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP Team: Charles D. Balsamo; George DiStefano
About Fogarty Finger
Fogarty Finger is an interdisciplinary design studio of over 125 architects and designers dedicated to placemaking within the urban built environment. The forward-thinking New York City-based design firm is responsible for many prominent residential and commercial projects throughout the US in locations including New York City, Boston and Atlanta. Each project designed by the studio is informed by strong contextual references distinguished by a layered sense of materiality and refinement. The practice’s most recent landmark projects include the redevelopment of the
former Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburg – The Dime, 141 Willoughby in Downtown Brooklyn, and Dock 72 at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Founded in 2003, the firm is led by Chris Fogarty (AIA) and Robert Finger (AIA) who are industry leaders in full-service commercial architecture and interior design. For more information, visit www.fogartyfinger.com
About Maharam
Founded in 1902 in New York, Maharam is a leading creator of textiles for commercial and residential interiors. Recognized for its rigorous and holistic commitment to design, Maharam embraces a range of disciplines from product, graphic, and digital design to art and architecture. Maharam textiles are included in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Stedelijk Museum, among others. Maharam is the recipient of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Design Patron Award for its longstanding support of art and design.
About MENU
At MENU, we do not merely design objects. We also work actively to foster collaborative spirit. The art of collaboration is inherent in us all and through creativity and curiosity, inspiration and influence we crate a sense of community that goes beyond our furniture, lighting and accessories.
About Bower Studios
Bower is a New York City-based contemporary design studio exploring ways of challenging perception through material and form. In addition to their own collections of mirrors, furniture and accessories, Bower Studios has worked with Nike, Google, West Elm, and designed interiors for multiple NYC fashion brands. Mirrors have become Bower’s signature category, where they play with themes of magic through illusion. They enjoy employing their mirrors to create immersive, interactive spaces, as experienced here in partnership with Fogarty Finger for DIFFA by Design.
About Fox Fodder Farm
Fox Fodder Farm is a floral design studio based in New York City offering flowers for delivery, subscription, events and installations. Founded in 2011 by Taylor Patterson, Fox Fodder Farm is headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
About UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP
UNITY CONSTRUCTION GROUP is devoted to “Building A Brighter Future” for its clients, one project at a time. UNITY is devoted to innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, productive trade coordination, efficient logistics, comprehensive project/schedule management, strict cost controls and effective quality assurance. Our mission is predicated on a sole purpose of total client satisfaction.
