August 2022: Dynamic Gatherings, Cities Through New Eyes, and Whimsy for Home
To our readers,
After a little pause - events and in-person speaking engagements sure came back in full swing this year - I'm so glad to be writing another letter of observations and recommendations to you. In the whirlwind of various Design Weeks, multiple conferences, and a general upswing of social engagements (ones that are as safe and cautious as can be), I've been taking note on how things, and how we, have evolved since the beginning of 2020.
What I've noticed is that what brings us out of the homes we've so carefully made into our safe and effective oasis over these last two years, is a multiplicity of meaning. People have quit pre-pandemic jobs for more satisfying ones, have moved closer to family to have access to those rich relationships, and so, what will get us traveling, attending events, and consuming in general (especially with prices skyrocketing) are events, services, and products that have multiple tiers of key meaning to them, that perform on multiple levels for us, and that stimulate multiple parts of our brain.
I see that the things we take part in that will be most effective going forward are those that give us all multiple significant reasons for it. Will I learn something new, see my friends, and contribute to making the world a tiny bit better if I go to this gathering? Will I be able to exercise, meet new people, and see a new place? I hope that all that we'll have going on in the fall will be rich with meaning and significance in this way, and many more reconnections will take place.
Superbloom by RIOS, photos by Matteo Cirenei Photography.
What I’m Seeing - ie. What’s Current
Dynamic gatherings - An example of an event that I described above, RIOS did an astounding job putting together a exhibit reception for Superbloom at Milan Design Week in June. A breathtaking installation, in a courtyard in a part of the city a little off of the beaten path, and a wonderful opportunity to meet other design enthusiasts. This is exactly the kind of gathering I look forward to in the fall: in a new place, through a new experience, with people I admire, and interesting and complex food and beverage to round it all out.
A Spotlight on House - As someone that listens to house music daily, it's funny to me to hear of Beyoncé "bringing it back" - she is certainly bringing it to a mainstream audience, which is excellent, and especially doing so for Black House - but what I think is wonderful about this moment is that the house, and disco, that she is celebrating reinforces the moment of maximalism and mashup we are all heading into (at least, pre-recession). Just as I mentioned with events needing multiple layers of dynamism and meaning, this translates to many cultural elements these days and the dance music that we are seeing coming from many artists falls into this element as well.
The Anti-Thesis of Minimalism - My previous two points lead me to a bigger trend overall, which is that this moment is all about more is more. Maximalist and whimsical design movements are seen everywhere, people are expecting a lot to be packed into one experience, and hot pink has been named the color of 2022, after Margot Robbie's various costumes on the sets of the Barbie movie. I know this moment won't stay - all movements are cycles that never quite repeat themselves, and rhyme instead - but I know that I want to enjoy this moment as much as possible as it's here.
I was really lucky to meet and interview Priya Parker as a session at the 2019 AIA Women's Leadership Summit! The summit is happening again this year.
What I’m Reading:
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet And Why It Matters by Priya Parker - The book was first published in 2018 and was all the rage back then, but I wanted to return to it as we return to larger and larger gatherings. Perhaps "return" is not the right word since you can never go back, but The Art of Gathering is a wonderful read as we evolve our events forward.
Welcome to Your World: How the Built Environment Shapes Our Lives by Sarah Williams Goldhagen - A recommendation from the brilliant Alice Shay, I suggest this to anyone with upcoming travel; to take in elements of new cities you may have not thought about before, and to see cities familiar to you with new eyes.
Anna: the Biography by Amy Odell - I really enjoyed reading about the making of an icon, Anna Wintour. An element that is especially interesting about the biography is the presentation of all the various professional positions in media, as well as how media has evolved. For anyone wanting learn more abut marketing and how to appeal to a specific audience, this biography is also very effective.
From the Billy Cotton x Collecto lunch in East Hampton, NY.
Final Picks:
For the Home: Collecto by Federika Longinotti Buitoni - For a touch of whimsy in your home without going full cottagecore, Collecto brings dreamy pieces that make you feel like you're in a world far away. Perfect for a special dinner party, or for your own delight at home.
For Something Special: Jasmine Chong by Jasmine Chong - I met Jasmine almost six years ago, and our first conversation was about how I considered studying fashion before I studied architecture, and she considered studying architecture before deciding to study fashion. The architectural sensibility comes through in her beautiful pieces, and I can't wait to see what she does for fall.
For Fun: You've Got Mahi, an entertainment and pop culture podcast by Mahan Chitgari - I was so lucky to meet Mahan (Mahi) in Los Angeles; her spirit is total sunshine, as is this pod! For a breath of fresh air from all things architecture and design (because I know all of you that read this need it ;)), and especially now that it's summer, check it out and escape away.
And with that, I would love nothing more than your thoughts on what you're seeing, hearing, and thinking about for the rest of the year. As always, please reach out at hello@madamearchitect.org.
Yours,
Julia