at The BMW Guggenheim Lab (Houston Street & Second Avenue, New York City)
The German automaker and renowned cultural institution collaborate on this mobile laboratory, which, as they put it, aims to “inspire innovative ideas for urban life.” In practical terms, that means the space will host plenty of events for free—and they’re all intriguing. Opening day, for instance, features a discussion with Elma van Boxel and Kristian Koreman of Rotterdam-based architecture firm ZUS (which built the structure) about their goals for the Lab, as well as a screening of Blank City, the NYC No-Wave documentary about the Lower East Side and East Village’s underground arts scene in the ’70s. Moving forward, the programs are equally diverse: expect such stimulating events as a discussion with Elizabeth Diller (of experimental architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro); a large group game called Urbanology, which asks participants to envision their ideal New York; and, relaxingly, I Meditate NY, a meditation workshop every Saturday through October 15. Those who get hungry can avail themselves of the Lab’s café (serving food from Brooklyn hipster locavore joint Roberta’s) or just cruise the neighborhood’s multiple dining options. After the Lab closes in New York, it moves to Berlin, and then will travel to seven more cities over the next six years to complete its run.
For more information, visit www.bmwguggenheimlab.org.