BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009

BKLYN DESIGNS™, an annual contemporary design exhibition for consumers and members of the trade presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, announced its line up of special events for 2009. Held May 8-10 in DUMBO, Brooklyn, this intimate design show provides attendees with the unique opportunity to engage in dialogue with designers and industry leaders about a variety of provocative subjects.

Addressing the current economic environment, this year’s BKLYN DESIGNS will present a panel discussion at the Architects and Designers Trade Luncheon, “Does Integrity of Design Change in a Down Economy: Does High End Meet Low Cost?” Moderated by Wendy Goodman, the editor of New York Magazine, the panel will feature Dave Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect; Jason Horvath, co-founder of Uhuru Design; Eric Manigian, founder of Eric Manigian Studios; and Mark Goetz and Tim Richartz who are both furniture designers and professors of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute. The show, which kicks off New York Design Week, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see new, affordable, eco-friendly products at the show’s main venue, St. Ann's Warehouse. In addition, BKLYN DESIGNS™ offers numerous unique and exciting events at various other DUMBO locations.

The three-day showcase bustles with over 6,500 visitors who enjoy top-notch design talent, including interior designers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, developers, and other design-conscious members of the public who follow New York City’s hottest trends. “This year’s BKLN DESIGNS™ event offers one of our most diverse line up of events and designers. Brooklyn continues to be on the forefront of supporting new and existing design companies. The whole weekend is a fun and entertaining family friendly event and further demonstrates Brooklyn’s continuing tradition as a cultural destination,” said Carl Hum, president & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Originally inspired by origami, this stool was crafted as though it were a sheet of paper with subtle folds that provide this seat both structural rigidity and comfort. Multiples are cut from a single piece of sheet steel in a process that produces minimal waste.

With a passion for innovation Asha carpets creates original floor coverings that celebrate contemporary design while honoring the rich heritage of carpet tradition.

Eskayel is a design studio founded by artist designer Shanan Campanaro. They create custom wallpapers offering custom scaling and coloring. The designs are derivative of victorian or traditional patterns from afar, but up close intricate hand painted details are visible lending a contemporary feel.

"Less is more when it's done right" - Designer Takeshi Miyakawa

The Bilge Lounge is made from reclaimed bourbon barrel staves and used truck springs. The Küpe line is crafted from used bourbon barrels from Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the world. The barrels are constructed from new white oak and charred on the inside to produce the unique flavor and color of the bourbon. These barrels are only used one time to age bourbon, after which some are sold and shipped to Scotland to make scotch. The remaining barrels are discarded by the distillery and often sold for firewood or planters.

Garrison Architects are designers of cutting-edge, zero-energy modular buildings which deliver ultimate levels of sustainability through modular design.