DesignPhiladelphia Festival Celebrates 15 Years, Hosts Kickoff Party at Cherry Street Pier

The Ben Franklin Bridge’s steel-suspension design is a perfect backdrop for DesignPhilaldephia’s Kickoff Party.

“Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fits our needs so well that the design is invisible.”- Don Norman

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

My introduction to Philadelphia’s design scene occurred in fall at Cherry St. Pier, where DesignPhiladelphia kick-started its 15th annual 10-day long festival with a launch party that had the stunning Benjamin Franklin Bridge as backdrop. It was a fitting and iconic location choice. What, after all, screams both stellar design and Philadelphia more than the Ben bridge?

What wasn’t fitting on that early evening-as attendees arrived to celebrate the onset of what is known as the oldest design festival of its kind in the country was the sweltering heat and a temperature of some unrelenting 90 degrees. While I yearned to spend considerable time studying the many design installations on display, I was torn between lingering or moving quickly from pier entrance to endpoint, where I could sink into a cozy sofa or plop onto a plush ottoman while mingling near the river that offered a cool respite from makeup-melting sultriness.

The festival, helmed by the Center for Architecture and Design (with the backing of the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter) and in existence since 2005, aims to showcase Philadelphia design and, in so doing, provides copious opportunities for local designers. Additionally, it informs and educates the public about design’s ubiquitous presence and influence in our lives. The week plus-long affair offers upward of 130 design-centric events comprising lectures, demos, exhibits and workshops, all with the intent of highlighting an innovative design culture present in Philadelphia’s thriving and evolving community network. The majority of these events are free and available to the public.

Where to begin with the fascinating installations that lined each side of the Cherry St. Pier, all so varied and mind-bogglingly creative? First on my agenda was a VIP check-in to fetch the media pass that would enable me to roam freely and permissively while on photojournalistic assignment. Adorned with badge and brochure, I determined the best approach was a pitstop like visit to as many installations as possible. I’d photograph them before the eager and anticipatory throng descended on the scene, then circle back for more in-depth inspection and exploration.

A design neophyte, I immediately associate the word mostly with “fashion,” which is why I wasn’t at all surprised to spy early on in my wandering a spectacular vision in red … the proverbial Lady in Red … sashaying among the crowd. This lanky enchantress was decked out in one glamorous billowing red, pouf of a gown, her neck and arms accessorized and clasped respectively in a golden choker and chunky gold arm bands. A total scene-stealer walked among us! Other models as well represented, touting that the “future of fashion is Philadelphia,” which makes me anticipate even more my hoped for coverage of Philadelphia Fashion Week in 2020.

But that night along the waterfront, the fashion element was a mere drop in the design bucket, for the exhibits spanned disciplines including architecture, arts and culture, exhibit, fashion, floral, furniture, graphic, interior, landscape architect, lighting, materials, printing, product and industrial, technology and web design and development. This extensive listing from DesignPhiladelphia’s web site serves to illustrate design’s prevalence, scope and necessity in our world. While I don’t describe here in detail each and every set-up, I do, however, highlight a few of my favorites. To get a better idea of the depth and breadth of the myriad of uniquely unique design concepts, readers can also peruse photos shown below.

I spied Mayor Kenney and Letty Santarelli at the Paper Space’s delightful installation, featuring “Monte,” one of their bespoke wall coverings colored bold red with black-spotted yellow cheetahs printed in mid-leap. A claw-footed bathtub filled with “bubbles” (also cheetah print-papered) served as focal point. You read correctly: the mayor was upstaged by the fastest land mammal affixed to a bubble-brimming bathtub.

Smart Adaptive Clothing, the Philadelphia-based clothier that is making a difference to the millions who daily struggle to dress themselves (or those caregivers who dress them), is exactly as it bills itself. Check out their website, where inspirational testimonials from satisfied customers abound. Make no mistake about the style … nothing fogey or plain-Jane here. The designs truly are freshie!

A structure from 39 Degrees North Architects was a popular interactive spot. “Within,” an open-ended steel cube with attached orange-y pink translucent strips hanging to near floor length created a zone of privacy, where guests could semi-retreat from the crowd and move freely among these vertical strips, half-removed from the party scene. From behind and within a collection of funky ribbons that I call “shy strips,” one could peep the party goings on. It’s akin to hiding behind the proverbial potted plant, only the introvertive protection offered is a wholly different experience.

And speaking of both funk and color, HARU stuck-on design from Japanese company Nitto proffered boldly colorful adhesive tape that’ll upgrade almost any space from ho-hum to creative and fun. The best part is that the tape is removable, so there’s precious little sticky residue and certainly no paint peeling when it’s yanked from a surface and reapplied elsewhere. Choose from patterns or solids, pick your widths and sticky on!

Another intriguing design concept and installation came from CoLab Philadelphia, a program operating out of Thomas Jefferson University‘s Health Design Lab. CoLab aims to intersect healthcare resources, education and opportunities such as screenings and more with communities that most need them. I toured a swanky remodeled 1960’s silver Airstream trailer, where I was not only educated but uplifted by the efforts and mission of this altruistic team. “Health Beyond Walls” read a tag on the trailer. At tour’s end, a camera captured me in the most unusual head-shot. It was me, albeit as a colorfully fractured and fragmented kaleidoscope, a chunky mosaic. I was reminded of traditional Japanese aesthetics, wherein the concept of Wabi-Sabi represents “embracing the imperfect, impermanent, unconventional and incomplete.” Relatable!

And on it went as I navigated the pier’s length, investigating each installation with eyes wide open to the wonders and importance of design. DesignPhiladelphia was awakening me to the exceptional talent in what’s essentially my own back yard. I began to wonder what sort of installation I might create and for what purpose (still working on that one). Completely immersed in these mesmerizing design displays, it was only a rumble in my belly that cued me to switch gears and get to noshing on the bountiful spreads of gastro goodness. As I made my way to the food stations, dusk turned to dark and much to everyone’s relief, cooler air began to waft from the river while strung white lights and the illuminated Ben bridge created a cozy and enchanting atmosphere, redolent of a starry, starry night. Just beautiful.

Whatever the event, if I even get a whiff that 12th St. Catering will be in the house, I’m all in for their edibles’ offerings which are, simply put, culinary design masterpieces. I’ve got the photos (see below) as proof! The Grilled Sweet Potato ‘Steak’ … served over green and orange lentils, garbanzo beans and shaved Brussels sprouts salad along with a Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breast with Oven-roasted Spiced Honeycrisp Apples served with Cranberry-walnut Fingerling Potato Salad were devastatingly delicious. The dessert display was equally enticing and gorgeously presented. I couldn’t resist either Hazelnut Coffee Caramel Petit Gateaux or Butternut Squash Panne Cotta. The names alone are irresistible, n’est-ce pas?

The superb Hardena was on the scene as well, with Diana Widjojo serving traditional and authentic Indonesian offerings such as Barbeque Chicken Satay, Rendang Sliders and Veggie Corn Fritters. A triumvirate of all cuisine sublime. I know Chef Diana as one of the seven Philadelphia chefs who trekked to NYC in June to prepare a feast for the James Beard Media Awards, so it was especially exciting for me to be able to praise her exceptional skills in person. Additionally, Peroni was on hand and staged a photo booth at which attendees posed to capture the evening’s memories. Philadelphia Distilling had a well-positioned spot, offering up tasters of Bluecoat American Dry Gin and other spirits. Several bar stations served beer, wine and some thirst-quenching cocktails.

Attention should be paid to presenting sponsor Thomas Jefferson University, who has been helping the Festival “grow and evolve in compelling ways” for three years running now. Kudos to and on you, Thomas Jefferson University!

All in all, the evening was memorable and intriguing. No doubt that, between now and 2020’s event, there will be plenty of imagining, creating, constructing, fashioning and implementing to look forward to. I can only hope that Ms. Ma Nature has a more temperate evening in mind with her design installation.

To clock a whole lot more info, visit their site at designphiladelphia.org.

Guests arrive on a hot October evening with temps still in the 90’s at 5:30 p.m.

American Institute of Architects Philadelphia celebrates 150 years in the city.

At the Cherry Street Pier entrance, triptych signage details events and thanks a multitude of sponsors.

Volunteers are on hand with wrist bracelets for the VIP ticket-holders.

Making the scene with tools-of-trade ID badge.

Red-hot event materials match the red-hot evening.

AIA Philadelphia Executive Director Rebecca Johnson is the picture of cool relaxation despite the 90-degree temps.

From Left, Media Relations Specialist at 160over90 Taylor Garrett and Director of Public Relations at 160over90 Michelle Woolford appear poised and cool while getting the job done!

AIA’s presence was notably prominent on entrance.

This urban scene design installation features Lyft’s official colors, Lyft Pink, black and white.

The Paper Space, a 2019 “Best of Philly” winner, designs and paints bespoke small-batch wall coverings.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Sharon Kozden pose before The Paper Space’s color-popping installation. Photo by Letty Santarelli

39 Degrees North Architects created one of the more popular and interactive installations. Read all about it.

Folks were snapping photos while bursting forth from this brightly hued exhibit from 39 Degrees North Architects.

PennDesign was renamed (after the fashion designer and Wharton School alumnus) to The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design.

Step right in to this 1960’s Airstream, CoLab’s (Community Design Collaborative) installation entry, where visitors’ snaps printed in color mash-ups.

Sharon Kozden as photographed phunky from within CoLab’s Airstream trailer installation.

Health on the move! This Airstream is on a mission to promote healthy communities.

Team #CoLabPhl meets folks where they live, addressing health-related concerns within communities.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is a stunning backdrop to any party, it was no exception for this one.

This “Park in a Truck” display from Thomas Jefferson University illustrates how an open lot can be transformed into a community oasis.

Painter, sculptor and doll artist Acori Honzo poses with the tools of his art-trade.

“O, wind, rend open the heat …”

Smart Adaptive Clothing is as functional as it is smart-looking.

A young girl, possibly inspired by the abundance of creativity on display, puts her ideas to paper.

DesignPhiladelphia Kickoff Party sponsor Peroni staged a photo booth for guests’ snapping pleasure.

Things are looking up for UArts School of Design.

Color my world and yours with HARU stuck-on design because why be boring?

Transform pretty much anything from bland and colorless to bright and cheery with these tapes that can be removed with a simple peel-off.

Dusk as scene through the open end of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation-created Cherry Street Pier.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (at Right) checks out the solar flower power at Smartflower’s exhibit.

Bridge over triplet models.

HARU stuck-0n design creates vibrant backdrop in seating area, where guests meet and eat.

Pretty and poised ladies share a good-time moment.

Philly-based sculptor and designer Deanna Mclaughlin with her uniquely unique shopping cart purse.

Philadelphia artist Deanna Mclaughlin creates art from abandoned shopping carts, repurposing them into functional pieces of furniture. Here, she sports cart earrings.

Philadelphia Distilling serves up tasters of Bluecoat American Dry Gin and other spirits.

On a not-so-temperate evening, cool cocktails tempted.

This duo’s rear-view window offers a stylish perspective.

This stunning model offers one bold design statement. Talk about a scene-stealer!

From left, AIA Philadelphia Executive Director Rebecca Johnson and Sharon Kozden catch a welcome breeze.

The Cherry Street Pier’s open end a.k.a. Party Central … as photographed from a neighboring pier.

The pier’s open end was a popular place for gathering and snap-taking. This freshie team was in good company.

When nighttime arrived, the party … with a truly picturesque atmosphere … was in full swing.

Cozy and comfy seating cubes and well-lighted tables drew party-goers like moths to a flame.

Hardena Restaurant serves sumptuous Indonesian fare from its trolley-looking food-station installation.

Chef Diana Widjojo of Hardena created exquisite culinary designs such as this Indonesian-style barbecue chicken satay with sweet soy garlic or peanut sauce.

Rendang Sliders (above) and Veggie Corn Fritters comprised the trio of delectable offerings from Hardena Restaurant.

I can’t (and won’t) stop photographing one supremely photogenic bridge.

From Left are Sandy Yannatell and Bryson Kershner with the delightful Nero. Good Nero!

Fabulously funky lighting really put the kick in DesignPhiladelphia’s Kickoff Party!

As the evening unfurled, the bar’s line lengthened. Bellying up!

There is nothing like the perfect light salad to engage one’s taste buds in preparation for more substantial offerings.

Behold 12th Street Catering’s magnificent Grilled Sweet Potato ‘Steak’ … served over green and orange lentils, garbanzo beans and shaved Brussels sprouts salad.

Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breast with Oven-roasted Spiced Honeycrisp Apples served with Cranberry-walnut Fingerling Potato Salad … another winner from 12th Street Catering.