Guide To DesignPhiladelphia 2013
Fashion, furniture, art…it all begins with design. This October, check out Philly's vibrant design scene at the aptly-named DesignPhiladelphia, featuring over a week of workshops, conferences, installations, exhibits and more. – Chelsea Karnash
What: DesignPhiladelphia offers more than a week of design-centric programming. Now in its ninth year, the event includes more than 400 national and international designers from all disciplines and more than 120 events in venues in and around Philly.
New this year, the festival has a theme: "EXPERIENCEdesign!"
When: Thursday, Oct. 10 – Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Schedule: Since there are more than 100 events, you definitely can't attend them all. Check out our picks below.
WEDNESDAY
PopUp Place: Kick-off Cocktails + Party
bahdeebahdu
1522 N American St
6 - 9 p.m., $75-300
Help kick-off this year's DesignPhiladelphia Festival with an art and design auction, design exhibits, exotic food pairings, signature cocktails from Art in the Age and more inside this custom furniture studio.
Official After Party with King Britt
American Street Studio
2201 N American St
9 p.m. – midnight; $20 in advance, $30 at the door
The party continues at this industrial space located inside a former PECO substation with live dance and experimental sets from renowned producer and composer King Britt.
THURSDAY
Fashion/Photography/Food | Charm Pop-Up Shop; "Meat America" Book Signing
Panorama Wine Bar
14 N Front St
6 – 8 p.m., FREE
This event combines art and design with food, shopping and a meet-and-greet. Browse fashion and photography while noshing on light bites from Panorama. Guests can also get a copy of "Meat America," a book that tells the story of America through meat (yes, really), signed by the author, Dominic Episcopo.
FRIDAY
Art Market at Tyler
Tyler School of Art
2001 N 13th St
12 – 7 p.m.
Shop handmade goods and watch art and design demos at the venerable Tyler School of Art. Participating artists are selected by Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster, owners of Art Star Gallery and Boutique.
SATURDAY
Art Market at Tyler
Tyler School of Art
2001 N 13th St
12 – 5 p.m.
Art Market continues for a second day, with goodies from tons of Philly's best artisans and design pros.
SUNDAY
Tour: Jazz Walk
Starting points at 33rd & Diamond Sts or 33rd & Oxford Sts
12 – 4 p.m.
Learn about Philly's jazz scene through temporary public art, signage, live musicians, social media and dialogue during this multi-disciplinary tour. While you're exploring, DesignPhiladelphia asks that you consider this question: Is our local jazz history important enough for us to showcase and celebrate with the world?
MONDAY
What's Your Design Personality? With David Bromstad
Corian Design Studio
2400 Market St
Suite 403
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; FREE, but space is limited and RSVP required
David Bromstad seems to have been all over television this past year, but tonight, he'll be at Corian Design Studio in person to teach you how to design your kitchen and bathroom to reflect your personality.
TUESDAY
From Design to Fabrication: A Discussion of the Creative Industry in Philadelphia
City Hall
Broad & Market Sts
5:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE
Network and hear from top Philly entrepreneurs and artists who have decided to stay in the area and pursue their dreams.
WEDNESDAY
The Bleeding Edge of Design Research: 9 Ideas You Haven't Heard Before
Philadelphia Center for Architecture
1218 Arch St
6 – 8:30 p.m., FREE
Nine thought leaders on design research will share nine unique ideas on the field. Afterwards, guests can join in the discussion and enjoy "tastes and toasts."
THURSDAY
University City Science Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Hotel Monaco
433 Chestnut St
6 – 9 p.m., $125
Celebrate Philadelphia design in the STEAM sectors of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math with an Innovators Walk of Fame.
Yards Tap Handle Throwdown
NextFab Studio
2025 Washington Ave
6 – 9 p.m., $10
It's the night we've all been waiting for! Check out the tap handle design finalists for Yards Brewery, vote for your favorite, then enjoy apps and beer.
FRIDAY
Closing Party: A Fundraiser for the Friends of the Rail Park
CITYSPACE
2200 Walnut St
6 – 8 p.m., $75; 8 – 11 p.m., $25
Say sayonara to DesignPhiladelphia at this catered soiree, which includes wine and a presentation of conceptual designs from Olin, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, and CVM for transforming the former City Branch of the Reading Railroad into a public park. The party raises funds for building the Reading Viaduct Park and is followed by an after party.
ONGOING
Design the City
IKEA – South Philadelphia
2206 S Columbus Blvd
Oct. 11 – 18, hours vary
Celebrate the "Leger: Modern Art and the Modern Metropolis" exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On Friday, three teams of teens from Public Workshop's Building Hero Project will build installations inspired by Leger's "The City" using IKEA products. The designs will be on display through Oct. 18, and visitors to the store will be able to vote for their favorite. The winner of the challenge will receive a $500 IKEA prize package, and the teen with the most votes will get a $500 IKEA gift card. All of the participants receive free tickets to the Leger exhibit at the PMA.
Tickets: Many DesignPhiladelphia events are free, but some (like the kickoff and closing parties) require you to reserve a spot or buy a ticket.
For more information on DesignPhiladelphia, click here.
