Mix of Solutions
The Museum of Modern Art opens its latest design exhibit this Thursday, “Born Out of Necessity,” an examination of design in its classic role as problem-solver. In one way or another, all design solves a problem, be it acute and immediate (medical emergencies, natural disasters) or distant and abstract (the potential need for an augmented human digestive system, to name just one). The pieces in MoMA’s exhibition cover these functions in thought-provoking and visually striking ways (11 W. 53rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-708-9400; moma.org, through 2/28).
Flat Is Out
Three-dimensional printers have rapidly gone from novelty items to the apparent future of product design—they’re increasingly fast, inexpensive, and accessible for start-ups as well as big corporations. Material Connexion gallery is currently featuring the latest in 3-D printing and additive manufacturing technology, from printers that can now use clay and glass to products rendering super-complex forms and structures. A printer from Brooklyn’s own MakerBot is also on hand (60 Madison Ave., at 27th St., second fl.; 212-842-2050; materialconnexion.com; through 5/11).
Hack Convention
Hacking used to be a crime, right? Now it’s a hobby. Good magazine is teaming up with Parsons the New School for Design to sponsor an all-out Hackathon this weekend, with the goal of producing “the ideal tool that empowers the average New Yorker every hour of the day,” thereby maximizing their potential as citizens. All that’s necessary to participate is a laptop and the will to win. Prizes include publication in Good, but participation alone will allow you to network with fellow hackers (66 Fifth Ave., at 13th St.; good.parsons.edu).
Slashed Furnishings
Two design-merch leaders are running huge sales this weekend. For starters, Jonathan Adler is offering a discount on all upholstered furniture, including 20 percent off custom pieces, 25 percent off in-stock pieces, and 40 percent off discontinued fabrics. Online, the Adler Camp is slashing prices on remaining holiday items by 30 percent. Starting Friday, Italian design giant Moroso will deeply discount its entire inventory at its massive warehouse sale, with new stock and floor samples from 50 to 70 percent off their original prices (Jonathan Adler, 1097 Madison Ave., at 83rd St.; 212-772-2410; jonathanadler.com; Moroso, 150 Greene St., at Houston St., 212-334-7222; F-Sa 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; moroso.it).