Woodbury University’s symposium “Unmentionables” put forward the premise that interior design can tackle topics forbidden within mainstream architectural discourse. The event, co-chaired by Annie Chu and Heather Scott Peterson, was a wild success, bringing together over twenty practioners for a free-wheeling but structured conference that touched on topics as diverse as 3D printing with repurposed waste materials, design for space travel, and the nature of kitsch.
Courtney Coffman’s presentation, “Curtain-as-Wall,” explored the hidden history of the curtain in 20th and 21st century architecture. Focusing on relatively unknown images of modernist icons such as Mies Van Der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, Coffman revealed the importance of the curtain in contemporary architecture. Her talk included some startling images, including Adolf Loos’ sensuous design for his wife, Lina’s, bedroom.
This minimalist masterpiece was created in 1903!
Paulette Singley provided a fascinating meditation on “Pellicular Zones,” the skin or border of a building. Among the thought-provoking images was Kengo Kuma’s Floating Teahouse.
The temporary structure is made of a transparent helium filled balloon draped with translucent organza, which acts as a meditation space of mysterious beauty.
Thanks to Woodbury's Interior Architecture Department for an inspiring day!