While some of the pieces displayed may already be integral to our lives, such as Apple's iPod, Nike's Free running shoe or even iRobot's Roomba, the robotic vacuum, many more are unfamiliar.Alison Berger's old photo negatives-on-glass chandelier was chosen because of its complex, even emotional, romantic message; other pieces were selected for just the opposite reason. A quick look at Ransmeier and Floyd's all-white rubber dish-rack and you might question the validity of the selection; but according to Bloemink, this design's brilliance is based on its simplicity: "It is everyday generic, clever and easy."
Alison Berger assembled 96 slides to create her Glass Side Chandelier
Curators were also intrigued by Greg Lynn's nod to the individual in his utensil set design. Lynn used a computer program to alter the "genetics" of each fork, knife and spoon in the set. Each piece is unique, but like siblings in a family each has qualities that make it part of the family or set.
The National Design Triennial 2006 runs from December 8 through July 29, 2007. The Cooper-Hewitt is located at 2 East 91st Street in New York. For more information, phone (212) 849-8300 or visit www.cooperhewitt.org.