New York City is a living testament to the power of design. A concrete jungle where iconic architecture by the likes of Santiago Calatrava (think: World Trade Center Transportation Hub) and Zaha Hadid (imagine the curvaceous 520 West 28th Street residences) reaches for the sky, while the High Line, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, transforms an elevated railway into a whimsical green oasis and Little Island by Heatherwick Studio floats playfully on the Hudson River. It's a city where design isn't just an afterthought, it's the very fabric woven into the urban tapestry. And each year, this love affair with design explodes in a dazzling display called NYCxDESIGN.
"Imagine New York City as a giant canvas," says Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN. "During the annual NYCxDESIGN Festival, that canvas comes alive with innovative installations, thought-provoking talks, and the energy of designers of all disciplines. It's a week where the city itself becomes a celebration of design, and everyone is invited to participate."
Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN
A Festival with a Mission
NYCxDESIGN Festival, May 16-23, is more than just a showcase of the latest trends in architecture, furniture and good design. It's a festival with a mission: to celebrate design as a force for positive change. The festival's core values are inclusivity, equality, diversity, sustainability, and regenerative design. These values are reflected in everything from the festival's programming to the selection of participants.
"We believe design has the power to change the world," Ilene Shaw continues. "NYCxDESIGN Festival isn't just about showcasing beautiful products; it's about using design to solve problems, create sustainable solutions, and build a more equitable future. Whether you're an architect tackling climate change or a design student creating a more inclusive experience, NYCxDESIGN provides a citywide platform for those voices to be heard."
A Week of Inspiration
Every year, NYCxDESIGN takes over the city for a week of talks, exhibitions, installations, and events. It's a time for designers, architects, design students and enthusiasts from all over the world to come together and share their ideas. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, NYCxDESIGN Festival is an inspiring place to connect.
NYCxDESIGN Festival Highlights
This year's NYCxDESIGN Festival promises event highlights you won't want to miss:
NYCxDESIGN Keynote series: The festival kicks off with a bang and a series of Keynote talks featuring design luminaries. This year, Samsung unveils its vision for the future of technology and design, exploring how innovation can create smart homes. Magic Leap will demonstrate new AR tools that will forever change designer-client presentations. These thought-provoking conversations will set the tone for a week of discovery and dialogue. Links to tickets and events HERE.
NYCxDESIGN Tours presented by Aspire Communications: Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of New York City's most iconic design destinations. These tours offer a unique opportunity to see the city through the eyes of designers.
Emerging Designer Residency: NYCxDESIGN is committed to supporting the next generation of design talent. The Emerging Designer Residency provides up-and-coming designers with the opportunity to showcase their work and design process.
Ode to NYC, a poster campaign: Join the Ode designers for a tell all about living and working in the most energetic city in the world.
NYCxDESIGNxSouvenir, an exhibit of prototypes at Hudson Yards: Head to Hudson Yards to see NYCxDESIGNxSouvenir, an exhibit of New York City souvenir prototypes from 50+ NYC designers.
Beyond the Festival
NYCxDESIGN is a movement that celebrates design all year round. The festival's organizers work to promote design education, support design businesses, and make design more accessible to everyone.
Student Graduate Portfolio Showcase: partnered with Arts Thread, NYCxDSIGN is pleased to provide this comprehensive showcase of portfolios for your review, reference and entrance into a network of next-generation emerging talent. Check out this online presentation of 100+ fresh portfolios by seniors and recent graduates at nycxdesign.org.
A Celebration of the City
NYCxDESIGN is a celebration of New York City's unique design identity, with the largest architect and designer community in the world. Don’t miss the NYCxDESIGN Festival Opening Party, followed by an After Party. Links to tickets and events HERE.
"The energy in New York City during NYCxDESIGN Festival is electric," Ilene Shaw concludes. "Like the city itself, it's a melting pot of creativity, where established names rub shoulders with emerging talents. where inspiration strikes around every corner, and new collaborations are born. If you're looking to be inspired, challenged, and to see the future of design, NYCxDESIGN Festival is a ‘must-attend’ event."
In addition to the events mentioned above, NYCxDESIGN Festival also offers a variety of other activities, including:
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Citywide exhibits, workshops and demonstrations
Panel discussions
Networking events
No matter your interests, there's something for everyone at NYCxDESIGN Festival. Mark your calendars for May 16-23 and get ready to experience the best of design in the city that never sleeps.
Links to tickets and events HERE.
