abruzzo bodziak transforms new york’s storefront gallery into a library for future books

abruzzo bodziak architects has designed the installation for the exhibition ‘architecture books ­yet to be written’ at new york’s storefront for art and architecture. in order to convey a sense of public participation and dialogue, the gallery’s rotating façade panels form bookshelves that extend into the sidewalk. the exhibition serves as the anchor program for the new york architecture book fair, and is on view until­ august 25, 2018.

all images by naho kubota

the shelves contain a selection of acclaimed architecture books published over the past 35 years, as selected through storefront’s recent ‘global survey’. the books stand up with the help of custom aluminum book marks which also display brief statements that re­contextualize their relevance. the shelves will be further populated over the course of the exhibit with additional contributions from publishers, non­profit organizations, creative collectives, and visitors.

the gallery’s rotating façade panels form bookshelves that extend into the sidewalk

abruzzo bodziak has also designed five uniquely shaped mirrored book props that serve as non­ textual signifiers for chronology within the exhibition. each prop is made of acrylic, and is displayed together with a book printed with a date on each page. by organizing the books on the shelves by time period, they serve to orient and guide the viewer. ‘architecture books – yet to be written’ will remain on view until august 25, 2018.

the shelves contain a selection of acclaimed architecture books published over the past 35 years

by remaining relatively sparse, the shelves suggest a trajectory for the future of architectural books

the shelves will be further populated over the course of the exhibit

contributions will come from publishers, non­profit organizations, creative collectives, and visitors

abruzzo bodziak has also designed five uniquely shaped mirrored book props

‘architecture books – yet to be written’ will remain on view until august 25, 2018

floor plan illustrating the different configurations
image courtesy of abruzzo bodziak architects

project info:

name​: storefront library
exhibition design​: abruzzo bodziak architects
collaborators​: pentagram (graphic design)
construction firm​: asa pingree (fabrication)
location​: storefront for art and architecture, new york
year of construction​: 2018
photography​: naho kubota

philip stevens I designboom

jul 28, 2018