DesignPhiladelphia Showcases Local Talent: An Interview with Beth Van Why
by Sam Dolin
April 25, 2007Philadelphia may be known for cheese steaks, soft pretzels, and Rocky Balboa-but great design? Beth Van Why thinks so, and as Project Manager of DesignPhiladelphia, Van Why is determined to make Philadelphia the next great American city for design. Here, Van Why discusses the growth of top-notch, local design boutiques and why you don't have to go to New York to find good design.
Dolin : What are the main differences/highlights of this year’s event over past events?
Van Why : This is the third year of DesignPhiladelphia and the events have grown stronger and more diversified each year. There is more involvement from professional organizations, many of which are showcasing the award-winning design of their members. There are also more curated collections of design work, including the Philly (Heart) Design exhibition at F.U.E.L., which is presenting an amazing array of design work from over 20 regional designers. We have also added to the number of Open Studios—14 opportunities to go behind the scenes and see where, who, and how design is happening on the professional scale right here in Philadelphia.
Dolin : How are artists and contributors selected to participate in DesignPhiladelphia?
Van Why : An open call and request for participation is sent out to anyone connected to fields of design within Philadelphia. Anyone interested in participating and highlighting some manner of design is invited and encouraged to participate. Those interested in taking part next year should contact us now to be added to the list.
Dolin : What do you see as Philly's greatest contributions to design?
Van Why : Philadelphia’s greatest contribution to design is the scale and diversity at which design happens. The city plays host to seven secondary-level design schools and universities, with more and more of the graduates choosing to stay and practice in the region each year. Firms and companies with internationally recognized products, designs, and talent are located throughout the city.
Dolin : What do you see as voids or barriers to growth in Philly’s design community and how can these things be overcome?
Van Why : In the past there has been a misconceived notion that design doesn’t happen here and it only happens two hours away in New York. World-renowned designers are working in Philadelphia. As more and more people become aware of the quality and quantity of design happening throughout the city, the city itself needs to also recognize its place in the growing role of design.
Dolin : Does Philly’s location/geography make its design unique? How so?
Van Why : Philadelphia has, historically, been a center for design. Colleges and universities have started here because of a need to educate designers for local industry. Firms and companies have opened here because of ties (whether alumni, faculty, etc.) to those same universities. The physical footprint of the city has also allowed the design industry to develop in a way unique to this city, encompassing much of the surrounding region, allowing companies the ability to locate in a city known for its neighborhoods and residential communities while easily accessing many different markets of cities on the eastern seaboard as well as throughout the world.
Dolin : What are the best ways for non-designers to enjoy/appreciate this event?
Van Why : DesignPhiladelphia runs April 12-22 this year. All of the events are open to the public and most of them are free. There are over 60 events, openings, exhibitions, open studios, and workshops taking place this year. One of the main goals of DesignPhiladelphia is to open up the design community to non-designers and general public to show how much amazing work happens right here in the city.
Dolin : What do you see on the horizon for Philly’s design community?
Van Why : The Design Community in Philadelphia is growing at an amazing rate right now. More and more people are opening small practices, collaborating with other designers and getting involved within the social culture of the city. The city is starting to grow, develop, and move forward via design from the inside out. The resident designers are incorporating their talents and skills locally in more ways than ever before, while also receiving recognition on the international stage. All of this is leading to Philadelphia defining a new, stronger role in its place as a great city of and for design.
ABOUT THE SUBJECT: Beth Van Why has been the project manager for DesignPhiladelphia since May 2006. She is also an adjunct professor in the industrial design department at The University of the Arts. Beth has been involved in the Philadelphia design scene for the last three years and is working towards highlighting local design work and promoting Philadelphia's growing importance in the world of design. Now a "recovering architect," Beth worked as an architect in New Haven, Connecticut prior to moving to Philadelphia.
