Previously On View: September 30, 2016 through February 26, 2017

See exhibitions currently on view.

An exhibition of 60 collaborative designs from throughout the United States and across borders, By the People challenges the country’s persistent social and economic inequality. Curator of Socially Responsible Design Cynthia E. Smith conducted over two years of field research—traveling to shrinking post-industrial cities, sprawling metro regions, struggling rural towns, areas impacted by natural and man-made disasters, and places of persistent poverty—in search of design for more inclusive and sustainable communities. Presented in the Barbara and Morton Mandel Design Gallery and the museum’s Process Lab, the exhibition delivers a powerful message of optimism for achieving a more just and equitable society for all Americans through design.

#DesigningAmerica

PROCESS LAB: Citizen Design

Process_Lab_08 copy

The museum’s Process Lab gives visitors firsthand experiences with the activities designers use to solve problems and develop new ideas. Now on view, Citizen Design, which invites visitors to engage, empathize, and help envision a better America. Citizen Design was inspired by the GRAY AREA project, featured in By the People, and developed in partnership with Interface Studio Architects. Learn more about Citizen Design.

Exhibition Highlights

Supporters

WebsiteCredits-BTP

Exhibition Dates
September 30, 2016 through February 26, 2017
View All Exhibition Objects
By the People: Designing a Better America
Tags
socially responsible design

From the Blog

Image of Devita Davison and Keba Konte speaking at Cooper Hewitt
Growing Local: Designing Sustainable Food Businesses
Design Talk with Devita Davison and Keba Konte, discussing food entrepreneurs and systems that promote sustainability and inclusivity.
Post Type
Video
Read Time
8 minutes
Beyond Books: Redefining the Civic Role of Public Libraries
U.S. public libraries are redefining and expanding their roles in civic life to ensure community access to the vital information and tools needed to learn, create, and improve lives. Join us for a conversation on public libraries as hubs for civic engagement, with a focus on the innovative neighborhood libraries featured in the exhibition By...
Post Type
Video
Read Time
8 minutes
Planning and Designing Beyond Equity in Cities Across America
Interview with Toni L. Griffin and Chris Reed, who collaborated on the Detroit Future City Strategic Framework—an innovative planning model for urban revitalization.
Read Time
8 minutes
Posted By
Cynthia E. Smith