Pack rat that I am, I have been living out of cardboard file boxes for the last year as I have completely tapped out my mod, GCI-supplied, Ikea storage system. Sorry, but I love a paper trail and I have files upon files of completed design projects stashed away here in cardboard boxes. But today Donnie GAVE me HIS woefully empty Ikea storage cabinet. All he had to do was remove his carefully filed Trident gum and a small ball of twine and BAM-I’ve got a cardboard upgrade. Thanks Donnie.
—Martha
I go to New York City at least once a year to visit my family. I don’t tour around too much because I spent many years living there. Mostly I hang with my sister and catch up with the family and in the process I weave my way through the various neighborhood and shops. Next visit though, I plan to check out the new Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) at 2 Columbus Circle. It just opened in September 2008. Formerly the American Craft Museum (chock full of folk art, which I love) it was located across the street from The Museum of Modern Art — quite the contrast.
MAD still has folk art (part of the permanent collection, Permanently MAD), but has expanded to include a gorgeous collection of design. The biggest buzz, however, is the building itself. It has been transformed. I can’t tell you how many times I walked past the original “lollipop” structure. Check out the before and after shots. If you’re really interested, there’s a NY Times video clip on how the architects made the leap.
—Martha
2 Columbus Circle Before. Note the "lollipop" motif at ground level.
2 Columbus Circle After
