DIFFA BY DESIGN
DIFFA’s biggest fundraising event, DIFFA BY DESIGN, is being held May 21–23 at the Javits Center, conveniently co-located with ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan. The visually stunning and celebratory event will raise funds for DIFFA’s mission to help combat AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues across the country.
Gorgeous, immersive vignettes from top design names including Benjamin More, Rockwell Group, Gensler & EvensonBest, HDR, Roche Bobois + Rockwell Group, HOK + Mohawk Group + Urban Office + Svend Nielsen, and more will be on display for attendees to check out over three days, as well as an enticing auction, and a Shop Repurpose DIFFA Design Destination pop-up shop.
In addition, an exciting, ticketed Gala event will be held on Monday, May 22 from 6:00–10:00 PM emceed by Elliott with 2 Ts from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and featuring a performance by string quartet Well-Strung.
DIFFA BY DESIGN comes at a crucial moment for the non-profit, which needs the industry’s support more than ever.
The installations will be on view to ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan badge holders during all three days of the show. There will be a ticketed entrance for consumers/non-badgeholders for a donation of $25.
“Respite Pod” by HOK + Mohawk Group + Urban Office + Svend Nielsen + Arktura + Maharam + Blondie’s Treehouse + Design Within Reach. Finding a quiet space away from the chaos of the world means discovering a place where one can escape the constant noise and commotion of everyday life and immerse oneself in a peaceful and tranquil environment. The artful sculptural pod’s internal cavity will function as a comforting cocoon, inviting guests to unwind and find solace.
“Redefining boundaries,” by Gensler + MillerKnoll + EvensonBest + MillerBlaker. A calming and immersive installation, Redefining boundaries evokes the idea of regeneration through an intimate, natural world setting. Inviting viewers to pause and reflect, the space represents how we must come together to embrace innovation, challenge conventional norms, and inspire meaningful action towards a more sustainable future.
Roche Bobois’s new initiative, ECO 8, is an in-house tool that allows the company to evaluate its products for sustainability and environmental impact. Mirroring DIFFA’s sustainability theme, the installation created in collaboration with Rockwell Group, showcases a minimal, evocative environment lined with verticality and soft, organic forms. A mirrored stretch fabric with slight transparency allows playful neon messages about DIFFA and sustainability to shine through—prompting the viewer to self-reflect on their role in a sustainable future.
