The 2011 edition at the Javits, May 14-17 had a wonderful energy around it on Sunday afternoon and I thought the economy is BACK, here at least! It seemed the buyers were out, ready to specify their new discoveries into their current projects!

Here are some observations and trends seen about ICFF – Contemporary Furniture and Interior Design elements!

• This show seemed to have 50% lighting fixtures – Lighting must be BIG business

• Organic shaped Lighting airborne – sometimes created of natural materials

• Parts in multiples creating a whole – often becoming a lamp, chandelier, shade

• Skinny Table lamps

• Materials repurposed or new looks old

• Brightly colored geometric furniture

• Wallpaper in force – sometimes retro, sometimes natural like wood grain

• Several Nations such as Great Britain, Spain and Japan took pavilions to feature current art of design in their nations

The Digital installation in the check-in area of Cosmopolitan is constantly changing and is one of the best use of media I have seen. It is surprising and ever changing.  Then there is Chandelier – the bar with all crystal decor. Right up my ally!  This whole facility really does make you want to look!

The Digital installation in the check-in area of Cosmopolitan is constantly changing and is one of the best use of media I have seen. It is surprising and ever changing.  Then there is Chandelier – the bar with all crystal decor. Right up my ally!  This whole facility really does make you want to look!

Lighting is not my expertise however I went out there to look! This is some of what I saw…

LED, LED. LED.  Everyone now finally has WHITE LED light!  And lots of it!

I took the tour of the Philips booth. First I must say from an exhibition experience the tour was a great way to view and learn about new product. The stand was well designed to create flow and it proved an excellent way to show the work.

Our tour guide took us through three distinct spaces – the fashion section, the food section and new product development.  These spaces were set up with demonstrations so that we could see the products in action. Featured fixtures demonstrated a full spectrum of white light that can change from to warm to cool depending on the product you want to enhance.

The AIT award winning product Pure Detail allows for details to be seen, showing off texture and color while casting shadow to give product three dimensions. All this AND  the full range of white light!  Another product that was presented is a beautiful delicate LED track light system – take a look at the photos below!

I loved looking at the comparisons of white light on product and the demonstration that allowed me to see it.

In the last bit of the tour our guide explained how Philips fits into the changing world.  They continue to look at their mission, develop product, and think ahead to not become extinct. This was a fitting end for our journey!

Another sculpture that we could not stop talking about while in Phoenix was this massive structure in the downtown Civic Space Park officially named “Her Secret Is Patience,” it is more commonly referred to as “Sky Bloom.” This installation was designed by Janet Echelman and is composed of two large suspended rings woven together with netting. The play of light and wind with the layered netting creates some dynamic images and by nightfall the structure takes on a new life as it’s illuminated from artificial light. Opened in 2009, this sculpture is quickly becoming a landmark in Phoenix and is definitely worth checking out. View some of our photos of this piece as well as some of the other fabric structures that we have discussed below . . .

Today Rock Center is the home of Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, and Christie’s Auction House, to name a few. The lighting of its Christmas tree marks the beginning of the New York City holiday season, while the famous ice skating rink brings kids and adults together from all around the world. Last but not least, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck – literally the crown jewel – provides a panoramic view that captures tourists and locals alike.

So why the post about Rockefeller Center? Well, for the past few years, our Wave Wall Smalls have been almost permanent fixtures on the 67th floor, just inside the observation deck. During open hours, the walls conceal off-limits areas from visitors. During special events hosted in the space, the walls are used in various formations to reconfigure the space. We just went in to install the walls for the first time this year and were able to take some shots of our products before the deck was open to the public. What better background than an early morning cityscape?

Our big project in October is at Lincoln Center for the Big Apple Circus tents! We  worked with the Circus and The Rockwell Group to create a warm welcome in the brand new entry and event tent for the four month run of The Big Apple Circus.  Now that the circus is sharing the property with Fashion Week, there was a need for creating interior spaces, projection surfaces and visual enhancements. Pink Powered by Moss came through with EZ walls, 50 ceiling disks hovering overhead, and 2 giant projection screens!
Nestled between the Metropolitan Opera House and the Koch Theatre, we were faced with the task of transforming this 10,000 square foot open tent into the new Event Tents. To accomplish this we turned to a combination of the Moss Groove and EZ walls; a system which combines the versatility of modular walls with the benefits of lightweight fabric structures. Over 500 ft of walls were installed on site to create separate reconfigurable lounge spaces, a large concessions area, as well as space for ticket booths and will call.

To make this large open tent space more intimate we rigged 50 moons of varying sizes overhead the lead you through the space and into the Big Top. Two 90 ft custom projection screens were also installed in the central rotunda space to create a welcoming entry to the circus!

Go see the Big Apple Circus and book your events through Roy Braeger Productions!