C'mon, Get Happy

edited by Sheila Kim -- Interior Design, 5/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

NeoCon week traditionally ushers in some of the balmiest weather in the Windy City. And now attendees don't have to leave the Merchandise Mart to enjoy the sunshine. This year, Interior Design and the Mart have teamed up with Gensler to transform the bottom of the building's 2,000-square-foot light well into Happy Space.

Reached from the eighth floor, the eco-minded installation—overseen by architecture design director Elva Rubio—will be dominated by a hilly topography composed of Interface Flooring Systems's recycled-content carpet tiles. The undulating surface will double as a showcase for NeoCon introductions by up-and-coming designers—on hand to discuss their work and sources of inspiration.

Bang & Olufsen audiovisual equipment will supply soothing sounds, complemented by the Zen tinkling of glass wind chimes. Guests will be able to help themselves to a Tibetan-inspired prayer flag—handy for waving while they jump on a trampoline—or to a piece of the fresh fruit embellishing a Styrofoam tower. Meanwhile, heliostats mounted on the Mart's rooftop will direct sunbeams into the light shaft, so everyone returns to the stands refreshed. And possibly even tan.