On February 28, 2013 I had the honor of participating on the jury of Design Museum Boston’s Street Seats Challenge. This amazing competition generated interest from all over the world. Designers from 23 different countries and 22 different states submitted over 170 entries. All of the teams submitted fantastic and innovative ideas while considering sustainability, durability, aesthetics, and the benches relation to placemaking.
The initial jury process selected 20 semi-finalists who have all been given a grant from Design Museum Boston and the sponsors to construct a full size bench. These benches will be installed along various Fort Point Channel sites on April 27th and will remain there through the summer months for everyone to enjoy. Once the 20 benches have been installed, cash prizes will be awarded to three of the winning bench designs.
The programs that Design Museum Boston runs are truly remarkable – if you haven’t heard of DMB yet, please come to any or their events as I’m certain you will be impressed. Their Creative Mornings series provides an intimate opportunity for Boston’s best designers and thought leaders to share their story in a casual lecture format. Their exhibitions are thoughtful and installed in public places. Currently DMB has exhibitions at Logan Airport and the Factory 63 Design Innovation Gallery on Melcher Street. Their UNITE events and Field Trips bring people together to network and celebrate the power of design. I hope to see you at an upcoming Design Museum Boston event.
-David
