It is undeniable that many people fear for the the future of urban cities across America. Changes are dynamic: they occur instantaneously, uncontrollably. Despite the uncertainty of the future, people have been taking initiative to propose solutions to possible problems of the future. Issues such as job loss, inequality, homelessness, and pollution are addressed and[…]
By Briana Belfer
A model and photo of the Harlem Hospital Pavilion Facade within the exhibit, depicting the story of the African diaspora. Photo by Briana Belfer.
By the People: Designing a Better America is an exhibit that envisions an American future in which our physical surroundings are reflective of change. Many of the featured projects are ideas meant to benefit local citizenry; but with some variation and original thought, they could be implemented elsewhere. […]
The Cooper Hewitt Museum is currently displaying design projects that put an emphasis on people and are chasing rooms and spaces to conform to these people rather than have people contort to an environment. Probation Resource Hubs in New York City, Las Abuelita Kinship Housing in Tuscon, and High Speed Rail Map and Board Game for the United States[…]
Entrance to the design exhibit, courtesy of Demi Moore
By The People: Designing a Better America is the living host of a series of works attempting to achieve an equitable society by way of design. The exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum showcases both the elemental features of realizing design measures that work for all people and highlights the vast inequality that has spanned the history of the United States. Showcased projects address a wide array of social concerns that range from probation and parole department spaces lacking a positive ambience to the growing need for communal living for grandparents and grandchildren in the Southwestern part of the U.S. As a whole, the 60-project display coalesces to form a voice for diverse innovation.
The Ideal City Credit: Farib Khan
New York City serves as a home to people of all genders, races, and creeds. However, many are unaware of just how expensive it is to live in the city and how difficult it is to establish a small business. The Cooper Hewitt Museum’s “By the People: Designing a Better America” presents innovative projects which showcase what living in a Metropolis islike and how we can further advance to a Better America.
The future of New York City lies in the city’s ability to foster both a sense of community and shared goals amongst its citizens. By examining different projects in this city as well as in others, we can mold an environment that breeds an educated, safe, and socially responsible populace. The installment of Probation Resource[…]
We might look to government to solve the problems facing our city, but three different projects featured in Cooper Hewitt convey just how effective the work of citizens are in improving the future of America. Inventive design has the power to transform a room, a building and entire communities and in turn, change lives for[…]
From Cooper Hewitt site, courtesy of Moorhead & Moorhead/Mikiko Kikuyama
By The People: Designing a Better America, showing at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, is an insightful look into a variety of design-based projects which seek to address an issue at hand in the communities which they are centered in around the nation. By highlighting the combined effectiveness and efficiency of design-based solutions, this exhibition encourages audience members to think critically about issues in their own communities, and question how thoughtful design might make an impact. […]
Front to the Future
Time traveling cars may just be a Hollywood creation, but they’re not the only way to move into the future at light speed. The Cooper Hewitt museum’s By The People exhibit suggests new ways to look at everything from the how we run probation offices, to run down gas stations, and (of course) the cars we drive.
“The Orbit,” a car of the future. [photo by Lucien Formichella]
Across the country, forward-thinking brains combine innovative design with civic participation to create projects that provide solutions for local and statewide issues. From Chinatown to Toronto to Pine Ridge, designs in Cooper Hewitt’s By the People: Designing a Better America show that placing local concerns at the forefront for project planning build communities that nurture its residents.[…]
