'Applied Design' at MoMA

Installation views of the exhibition Applied Design at The Museum of Modern Art, 2013. All photos by Jason Mandella.

I was very excited to see the recent Applied Design exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. On view until January 31, 2014, the installation showcases about 100 objects from the Museum’s collection. Representing the new directions of contemporary design, the exhibition features outstanding examples of interface and interaction design, dynamic visualizations, products, furniture, 3D printed chairs and bowls, emergency equipment, and biodesign.

The highlights for me were the Issey Miyake lamp, the spiral based on Fibonacci, and last but not least was the handblown glass that enables us to use bees to detect illness or pregnancy in the breath. Wild!

Science geeks and geeks who love pretty things alike will enjoy this small, but important, exhibition. 

Installation view of the exhibition Applied Design at The Museum of Modern Art, 2013. Photo by Jason Mandella

While the size of the exhibit was underwhelming, there were some amazing objects that I found both innovative and beautiful. I wanted more and I am sure there is enough progress in design on a global level that MoMA could dedicate more exhibition space to this kind of work.

Also, Tetris fans, you have been validated by MoMA - the game of Tetris is just one of 14 video games to have entered MoMA’s permanent collection.