Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2007

BY JILL SHEEHY

It is a given that BKLYN DESIGNS™ gets bigger and better every year – this year, it also got greener.

Held over the weekend of May 11-13, the event showcased a record-breaking 65 exhibitors, including 30 newcomers.

The green theme was more powerful then ever. Along with cutting-edge designs and home-grown innovation, there was a strong undercurrent of sustainable, eco-friendly ideas.

“We're delighted for BKLYN DESIGNS™ to serve as a venue for rethinking the way everyday objects have an impact on the environment,” said Karen Auster president of Auster Events, which produced the annual show.  

Indeed, some exhibitors were exclusively green – Argington, for instance, debuted a bunk bed product of their sustainable manufacturing processes, that uses virtually no particle board, flake board or other similarly engineered wood products, which they attest use resin glues that contain chemicals.

Andrew Thornton, co-designer, Argington, explained his use of wood from forests that are purposely grown to be farmed, relieving pressure on other, less easily renewable sources.

"The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is very proud that among other things BKLYN DESIGNS™ helps people understand that sustainable design doesn't hinder creativity, design or quality of life,” said Mark Kessler, interim president and chief operating officer of the Chamber.

“If good design is based upon the integration of form and function, sustainable design broadens the definition of function beyond immediate use so that it also includes environmental impact. Many of the exhibitors at this year's BKLYN DESIGNS™ demonstrate that expanded definition beautifully."

Special events throughout the weekend also reflected the green theme, including a panel on Pratt Institute’s sustainable designers and another titled “Going Green: Doable or Daunting?”

“The panel discussions about 'green' home renovation and the future of sustainable design were by far the most well-attended,” said Ms. Auster. “It's clear that Brooklyn is eager to lend its support to this growing international trend.”

Helping Manufacturers
The show often acts as the main showcase opportunity of the year for many borough designers.

“Each year participating firms tell us they generate a large percentage of annual revenue from leads they foster through the show, and we look to continue this trend next year with even more new exhibitors,” said Ms. Auster.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ Center
The weekend kicked off with the announcement of the BKLYN DESIGNS™ Center at the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC) McKibbin Street – a move that allows artists and designers to obtain long-term workspace leases for below market rate.

Keren Gorni, who does marketing for Corey Springer’s Wüd line, was enthusiastic about the newly announced Center.

“It’s amazing how much the area has changed,” she said. “It’s getting easier to find space,” something many designers have long hoped for.

“We're thrilled to have grown the volume and breadth of products shown at BKLYN DESIGNS™ without sacrificing the quality. BKLYN DESIGN-ers continue to raise the bar for innovation and craftsmanship in designs,” said Ms. Auster.

The event was sponsored by Two Trees Management, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Forte Condo, Pratt Institute, BKLYN DESIGNS™ Gallery at GMDC, Benjamin Moore & Co., Con Edison, AIA, ASID and IIDA.  The event could not have taken place without the support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYS Assembly, Speaker Christine Quinn and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYC Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services. 

For more information on BKLYN DESIGNS™, log on to http://www.bklyndesigns.com/ or contact the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718-875-1000.