At an informal, open studio event on November 1, guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at KPF’s projects and culture while meeting designers in the firm’s newly renovated space.
At KPF’s First Friday event, members of the architectural community had the opportunity to learn about current, upcoming, and recently completed projects while socializing over light snacks and beverages. The event was also a chance to celebrate the recent renovation of KPF’s Midtown office overlooking Bryant Park. Alterations have opened up studio spaces and expanded flexible areas for collaborative work and events. Notable KPF projects are easily accessible from the office, including One Vanderbilt two blocks away and 520 Fifth Avenue, which recently topped out across 43rd Street.
The event featured screening rooms playing a collection of KPF-produced videos, including Resiliency + <3, and the District Architecture, Adaptive Reuse, Carbon, and Design Technology videos created alongside KPF Review magazine, as well as other project highlight reels, offering guests a look at the firm’s projects, principles, and methods. A special virtual reality experience showcased full-scale, interactive renderings of North Bund (Lot 91) in Shanghai, while various project materials, including photos, drawings, and models, were displayed throughout the studio. KPF Principal Forth Bagley and the Architectural League’s Executive Director Jacob R. Moore gave brief remarks welcoming guests and outlining the mission of both KPF and The Architectural League.
The First Friday program takes place on the first Friday of each month and allows Architectural League members to tour the studios of leading design practices and see active design work on their boards. Members of the League range from architecture students to passionate retirees and active practitioners in-between, all of whom enjoy lively discourse about current urban trends, developing aesthetics, and the push towards sustainable design.
First Friday at KPF took place on November 1 from 6pm to 8pm at 11 West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan.