This week and next, Cooper-Hewitt is offering extraordinary design programs hosted by Bill Moggridge. The first is this Thursday evening and will feature Professor Shinichi Takemura’s incredible interactive multimedia presentation “Tangible Earth,” which is followed next Monday by a conversation with Italian design maestro Alberto Alessi.
Tangible Earth
For the first time in the U.S., participants will be able to see and experience Tangible Earth – the first interactive digital globe. Professor Shinichi Takemura will demonstrate his magical multimedia project, presented on a massive glowing globe, that shows daylight and weather patterns in real time. The globe’s diameter is just over 4 feet and is 1/10 millionth scale of the planet. Professor Takemura spins it with his hands as he explains the meaning of the images, calling up a series of events and predictions about ocean currents, tsunamis, global warming, and earthquake patterns. This digital globe allows him to easily explain the complicated scientific data that he has assimilated, while giving viewers a holistic vision of the state of the planet.
Alberto Alessi
Next Monday Bill Moggridge and Alberto Alessi discuss the design firm’s development from an Italian Design Factory in 1921, through the present and plans for the future. Alberto will speak about the role of objects in modern consumer society. Alberto has transformed the way people think about design in their homes. He has worked with an incredible group of designers and architects over the last three decades to create some of the most iconic designs for the home – Richard Sapper’s two-tone whistle kettle, Michael Graves’ kettle with bird shaped whistle, and Philippe Starck’s playful, three-legged Juicy Salif citrus squeezer.
As a special bonus, students can attend both talks for free with their student ID. We hope you will join us!
Tangible Earth, Thursday, November 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Alberto Alessi, Monday, November 22, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
To register call 212.849.8353 or email CHeducation@si.edu
