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The Guggenheim Sets Up Comfort Lab In Vacant Lot
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 6, 2011
Modified May 6, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 6, 2011
Modified May 6, 2011
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In January it was announced that the Guggenheim would bring a pop-up piazza, of sorts, to the East Village. The temporary structure would act as a community center, a think tank, and whatever residents wanted it to be (public restrooms?); you can learn more in the video below. Well, today there was a little press preview for the project, which will launch in August, where they delivered more renderings, and more details.
Before going on a six year tour around the world, the raised structure will set up camp for ten weeks on East 1st Street (in a vacant lot) between 1st and 2nd avenues (very close to the nexus of the universe!). The space will include a cafe, artwork, an open space for discussion, and yes, public restrooms. Director of the Guggenheim, Richard Armstrong, says "the lab shows that we can roll up our sleeves and get involved in the community."
According to a press release they sent out today, after the first cycle concludes, a special exhibition will take place in New York in 2013, exploring the ideas and solutions that were addressed at the Lab’s different venues. The theme for this cycle will be, "Confronting Comfort, an exploration of how urban environments can be made more responsive to people’s needs, how a balance can be found between modern notions of individual versus collective comfort, and the urgent need for environmental and social responsibility." You can drop in your 2 cents right here.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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