Design & Architecture Exhibit @ Art Institute of Chicago

I have been traveling the past two weekends and now I am back and ready to post! For Halloween weekend I went to Chicago to visit my friend's Hannah and Katie. We had a fabulous time going on the architectural boat tour, visiting the Art Institute, and eating delicious meals. Not to mention the fact that we were the Real Housewives of New York for Halloween! I wanted to share my trip especially the chair and Maharam fabric exhibit at the Art Institute!

My favorite chair is the Honeycomb Pop Chair by Tokujin Yoshioka, 2001. This is made from glassine, a paper used for lanterns and held together with glue. Using a traditional material that is lightweight and not usually used for seating in a unique design is refreshing to view.

I also love the Corallo Chair by the Campana Brothers. It was designed in 2006 and is made of bent steel wire and then painted. The lightweight design transforms a normal, everyday object into a furniture and design piece.

The Maharam Exhibit was beautiful with the draping of fabrics from new to old. The Eames design is a classic pattern. I also love the geometric black and white pattern from Verner Panton, Unisol, 1965. Maharam is a powerhouse of beautiful fabric and continues to have artful design.

The new addition in the Art Institute is beautiful with Renzo Piano's amazing new addition. The building has not been touched since 1893 when built. He designed the recent modern wing addition at the Atlanta High Museum of Art which is a close place to my favorites in Atlanta. The Art Institute has a similar light focused feel to the High Museum.

*Source from The Art Institute of Chicago

The ceiling being open and lofty to the elements creates natural light to shine in on the exhibit and allow viewers to have a feeling of the outdoors while observing the art. Light is extremely important to Mr. Piano's work and his designs illustrate that the main focus is what is being viewed. The light is an additional and necessary aid to the viewing. Such care and focus is giving to the details of his work. The new addition connects to Millennium Park and Frank Gehry's sprawling amphitheater design with a bridge that spans over the street. It is a very pedestrian friendly area and creates a friendly relationship with Millennium Park. Chicago is such a fabulous city with the architecture, restaurants, and shopping. Please take the architecture boat tour and go to the Art Institute next visit. Both will lead you to a real Chicago experience where you can learn about the city and the environment.