Inside Track

edited by Sheila Kim -- Interior Design, 3/1/2003 12:00:00 AM

What's new and influential in American visual culture? The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, answers that question with "National Design Triennial: Inside Design Now," a survey of contemporary architecture, decorative objects, consumer products, and communication arts. The New York museum's second cross-disciplinary triennial, this installment features 300 entries by 80 firms and practitioners, from Los Angeles's Escher GuneWardena Architecture to New York–based Swedish product designer Viktor Jondal.

"This year, there's an emphasis on beauty and craft, reflecting our desire for things with a physical presence," says Ellen Lupton, the museum's curator of contemporary design. She cites graphic designer Geoff McFetridge, whose imagery graces the triennial catalog's cover, as indicative of the overall vibe for 2003: "Very decorative on the one hand, urban and sharp on the other."

Look out for California architect Jennifer Siegal's movable-housing prototypes, which demonstrate how portable interior spaces can serve populations on the move. Asymptote brings flexible and human-scaled office-scapes to Knoll contract furniture. Smart Design makes kitchen and bath accessories that literally fit into the curve of the user's hand. And a special installation of stage designs by Jennifer Tipton bears witness to the lighting mastery she brings to the New York City Ballet. April 22–August 3; 212-849-8400; ndm.si.edu.