Four-time architect of Frieze London, Universal Design Studio, will for the first time redesign Frieze New York, providing a fresh take on this global art fair. Working closely with Frieze director Victoria Siddall and Artistic Director Loring Randolph, the fair has been completely replanned, with a structural layout and interior organized to create an exceptional environment for viewing art.
Universal Design Studio's brief from Frieze was to improve flow to the galleries; increase visibility and navigability of the previously serpentine tent format; and to enhance the overall collector and visitor experience. This brief follows the successful commissioning of Universal Design Studio in London in 2014, who went on to become the first architectural practice to oversee the design of Frieze London for four consecutive years.
In New York, Universal has realized a structure comprised of separate, smaller buildings joined to form an orthogonal layout, broken up into distinct sections. Repositioned closer to the river, the fair has been oriented to allow more natural light, while sensitively engaging with Randall's Island Park and views over Manhattan. This year's fair also benefits from a revitalized series of restaurants, and new spaces for talks, resting and public gathering. Built using modular components, much of the structure will be recycled and reused following the fair.
"We are excited to bring our collaboration with Frieze to New York this year. Our aim was to bring together the global sensibility of the collector with the needs of the galleries in this beautiful and unique setting," commented Richard McConkey, Associate Director, Universal Design Studio. "I'm hopeful the visitors will enjoy the fair and spaces more than ever."
Photography: Raimund Koch