Mark your calendars! If you’re looking for something to do that is enjoyable and totally free, have a look at the most recent exhibition in your local museum on Saturday via Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. If you just happen to be in London and are fortunate enough to be in the London Design Festival, visit Tent London to glimpse at all of the latest contemporary interior design products. Bid on a designer doghouse at Austin and watch furry friend fashionistas strut their stuff, or move on a home tour of a seaside house in Cape May, N.J.. If you’re looking for ways to be motivated, or simply enjoy getting out amid other layout fans, here are 6 events on our shortlist from around the world.
Mini Moderns
Mini Moderns: Festival Porcelain – Espresso Set – GBP 19.95
TRADE SHOW — Sept. 22-25, 2011
Tent London
Old Truman Brewery
London, UK
Find inspiration for your next project while sourcing and purchasing the upcoming big thing in Tent London, among the most significant design trade shows occurring during the London Design Festival. More than 200 international exhibitors show the latest in contemporary furniture, lighting, ceramics, fabrics, accessories and materials, including Mini Moderns, showcased previously. More than 19,000 global trade buyers, high-caliber specifiers, and media and design savvy consumers from 44 nations attend the four-day event. Be sure to catch Tent Loves, a run of thought-provoking setups, each using different materials; and Sussed, a collection of sustainable innovations containing developments in eco-friendly materials.
Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer
EXHIBITION — Sept. 24-Oct. 21, 2011
The Art of Imaging: Architectural Design Photography
Washington Design Center
300 D Street, SW, Concourse Level
Washington, DC
If you enjoy marveling in architecture and photography, you’ll want to check out”Architectural and Design Photography: The Art of Imaging,” presented with the WDC and Dodge-Chrome, Inc.. More than 100 images of interior design, architecture, outdoor arenas by 29 of this region’s leading architectural and fine‐art photographers are on display through Oct. 21. Featured photographers includeMorgan Howarth, Eric Taylor, Jeff Wolfram and many more.
Among the show’s highlights is Mike Mitchell’s iconic photograph of the Beatles’ first U.S. concert in 1964, which recently made headlines when a gelatin silver print of it had been sold at Christie’s in New York. The display features two galleries; and the fine-art photography screen will show works printed on acrylic, metal, and timber.
While in the WDC, check out the 2011 Dreamhome: Jewel Tones of Design on screen featuring jewelry-inspired décor.
mauimuseum.org
FREE MUSEUM DAY — Sept. 24, 2011
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Look for a engaging U.S. Museum near you
From the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who provide free admission casual, Smithsonian magazine presents Museum Day, an occasion in which engaging museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket — at no cost. Did you catch that? For free!
The Museum Day Ticket is great for two people per family, per address. Sign up for a ticket here. There are hundreds of engaging museums from The Bailey House Museum at Maui (featured above) into Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art in New Mexico and much more.
austinbarkitecture.com
FUNDRAISER — Oct. 1, 2011
Austin Barkitecture
2nd Street District, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Austin, TX
If you’re an animal and architecture lover and you happen to be in or near Austin, you won’t want to miss Barkitecture, a designer doghouse auction showcasing doghouses made by a few of Austin’s very best architects, designers and builders. Hosted by the Animal Lovers of Austin, Inc., this design provides you the opportunity to bid on a number of special doghouses. Play in the’Pup-Stop,’ find out more about pet adoption opportunities, and revel in a Howl-o-Ween Fashound Show. A costume is going to be offered with entrance, or your furry friend fashionista can arrive in his or her very own fabulous outfit. More details on going into the fashion show here.
A doghouse designed by Cesar Millian on behalf of this Millian Foundation are also featured. All profits from Barkitecture will benefit local area animal rescue groups.
Featured above is the 2010 winner of”Best Backyard Bungalow,” designed by True Interiors. Watch more 2010 Barkitecture winners.
DISCUSSION — October 9, 2011
Growing Up Modern
Bentley Historical Library, 4:00 p.m.
University of Michigan, 1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI
Enjoy an interactive and educational day with Ann Arbor indigenous Peter Osler, Director of the Program of Landscape Architecture in Illinois Institute of Technology, as he investigates”Growing Up Modern” at the Great Lake state. Join in a panel discussion and watch first architectural writings of mid-century houses by prominent architects like Gunnar Birkerts, Eero Saarinen, William Muschenheim and Robert Metcalf (featured above). Inspired from the Bentley Historical Library and a2modern.
capemaymac.org
HOUSE TOUR — Through Oct. 30, 2011
Cape May Designer Show House
Osprey Landing: 109 Rosemans Lane
Cape May, NJ
Wish to glimpse inside a luxury waterfront home? Head out to Osprey Landing in New Jersey for Cape May’s seventh Yearly Designer Show House. Attend one of many daily tours showcasing local designers, products and vendors. This new $2.2 million four-story townhome overlooks the harbor and is ideal for those who love the wetlands and wildlife that flourish nearby.
Self-guided tours are available daily from 1-4 p.m. and guided day tours are available at 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Details and bookings here.
More events:
7 Best Design Events: Sept. 16-Oct. 7, 2011
7 Best Design Events: Sept. 9-30, 2011
What is in your calendar this weekend? Let us know about your favourite upcoming design events below!