Architect Michael Sorkin Dies of Coronavirus, At Least 25 TEFAF Maastricht Visitors Are Now Infected, and More News This Week
From significant business changes to noteworthy product launches, there’s always something new happening in the world of design. In this weekly roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.
In Memoriam
Architect and Critic Michael Sorkin Dies of Coronavirus
Yesterday, tragic news broke within the design community. Michael Sorkin, a noted architect and director emeritus of the Graduate Program in Urban Design at City College of New York, has died of the coronavirus. Born in 1948, Sorkin was widely known thanks to his longtime work as the architecture critic for the Village Voice. Published in numerous other outlets such as The Architectural Review and Architectural Record, he was honored with the AIA’s Collaborative Achievement Award just last year. This appears to be the first COVID-19 death within the U.S. architecture community.
In the News
TEFAF’s Troubles Increase as At Least 25 Recent Visitors Test Positive for Coronavirus
Too little, too late. That’s the sentiment shared by many exhibitors at the recent TEFAF Maastricht. While it has been previously reported that the fair was cut short after one such individual tested positive for COVID-19, it now appears that at least 25 visitors have tested positive as well. A cautionary tale for any design fairs planning upcoming editions.
Arts Institutions Advocate for Relief Funds
Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art joined The American Alliance of Museums’ cri de cœur, in asking Congress to allocate $4 billion in aid for at-risk museums. The museum called upon its vast network to support the campaign, which was united under the hashtag #CongressSaveCulture. Unfortunately, it looks like such institutions will get less than 5% of what they had requested. And while Nikki Haley blasted Congress for the inclusions that did make it into the bill, New York institutions are turning their attention in another positive direction by supporting a state bill that would suspend rent for struggling artists.
WeWork Pressures Workers Not to Work From Home—With $100 Daily Bonuses
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that while countless other businesses have temporarily shuttered, WeWork is actively encouraging its employees to come in to work. The company has not only failed to close most of its locations, but has also reportedly been enticing employees who staff these premises to come back from their new work-from-home routines. The incentive? $100-a-day bonuses. The company has already faced a slew of other recent woes, but the coronavirus pandemic is set to only ramp them up. Adding to the mix, tenants under lockdown are now beginning to complain about their rent.
Coronavirus Continues to Impact All Aspects of the Design Industry
As another news-heavy week wraps up, it’s clear that COVID-19 is greatly altering the design industry in a multitude of ways. Different cities and states continued to shift their construction policies, while companies began to kick their production of medical supplies such as masks into gear. And as Salone del Mobile was canceled and Design Miami Basel postponed, Sotheby’s took its auctions online. Elsewhere, U.S. design galleries worked to keep up with recent changes, just as Hong Kong decided to re-close museums after a surge of new coronavirus cases.
Product Launches
Svenskt Tenn Unveils Beautiful Japanese Magnolia Pattern
Everyone could probably use a little bit of Svenskt Tenn in their lives these days. Why? The Swedish company is known for its unabashedly colorful and happy prints, most of which were first designed by the renowned Josef Frank. Like Frank’s various works, Japanese Magnolia has deep roots of its own. For starters, Svenskt Tenn’s relationship with GP & J Baker dates back to the 1930s. But the design itself was first created even earlier, in 1917 to be exact, by the estimable William Turner. However, this is the first time in over 100 years that it's been produced.
Class With Sandra Funk Is Now in Session
The Standard, an educational platform created and led by House of Funk designer Sandra Funk, is officially available to stream. The online lessons share Funk’s step-by-step process in navigating the processes of a design business, from nurturing client relationships and project management timelines to determining a charging strategy. Another perfect activity to take on in the midst of social distancing.
Opening
A Virtual Gallery Exhibition Gets Going
All around the world, museums have virtually opened their doors to let in housebound visitors. But while such moves allow for more global guests, as well as architecture and collection-based experiences, it’s hard not to ask, what about those previously planned exhibitions? In New York City, the Van Doren Waxter gallery is focusing on just that by sharing works by Richard Diebenkorn. Described as “pre-architectonic” by the gallery, their related show was meant to take place March 19–May 9.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
