Sharing Models: Manhattanisms at Storefront for Art and Architecture

Manhattan has long captured the architectural imagination as a large-scale laboratory for experiments in urbanism and development. An exhibition at Storefront for Art and Architecture offers a contemporary take on the perennial exercise to envision the city’s future. Specifically, the avant-garde organization has invited 30 international architecture firms to produce models that reflect the broad shift from individualism to collectivism.

Conceived as “a return to, redefinition, and expansion of the notion of the commons”, Sharing Models: Manhattanisms comprises myriad visions for different sections of the island. Whereas globalization, technology, and economic policy have largely favored private interests since the late 70’s, the past decade has seen the tide turn toward more open, collective practices in everyday life. From work to travel, the coming decades will certainly see a major shift in spatial and social dynamics. Thus, the exhibition poses the question, “How will the sharing movement of today affect the way we inhabit and build the cities of tomorrow?”

Sharing Models: Manhattanisms is on view at Storefront for Art and Architecture until 2 September. In conjunction with the exhibition, the organization is auctioning each of the drawings for the 30 models, with proceeds supporting its programming and exhibition activities. And lastly, Sharing Models: Manhattanisms is the occasion for a series of façade installations at Storefront’s iconic gallery space. For “Share Me“, Five artists have been invited to create stencils reflecting on the sharing movement.