DESIGN: Sandy Breaks, Brooklyn Makes

Hurricane Sandy left a path of destruction that will be felt and probably seen for years. The yearly pilgrimages to my beloved Jersey Shore will be different from now on, knowing that the boardwalks that I will one day be able to walk on are replacements for the original weathered pieces of wood that were washed away with the super storm. The winds swept away physical evidence of memories but not the stories that were made there, leaving behind pieces for everyone to recover or throw away.

While congress still tries to figure out when it will finally send aid to our states, there are some that are currently raising awareness and more immediately important, money. Using debris from the storm, and inspiration from the damage, Reclaim NYC got 24 artists and designers to create conceptual art, lighting and furniture for an exhibition and silent auction at Ligne Roset. Jennifer Gorsche, of Reclaim NYC said to Core 77 in an interview about the project, "I think everybody in the design community has been affected or knows someone who has been affected. The community is pulling together to help those that lost equipment and work." The auction helped raise money that was donated to the Red Cross.

 

The Apres  1 lamp by UM Project is made of a rusty steel base salvaged at the Token  shop in Red Hook after the storm. The lamp is made with a repurposed brass shade and left-over ash wood from other projects.

 

These Stick-Lights by Lindsey Adelman Studio are made from reclaimed Cyprus branches

 

[caption id="attachment_59583" align="alignnone" width="440"] reclaimed richard shultz chair, re-covered by Suzanne Tick[/caption]

Suzanne Tick refurbished the 1966 Richard Schultz outdoor chaise in this birght red chord. A great twist on the original.

 

[caption id="attachment_59588" align="alignnone" width="224"] Candle Holder, Bec Brittain[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_59589" align="alignnone" width="437"] Bureau, Volk[/caption]

 

Inhabitat caught the action at the silent auction.

There is still much work to be done in the tri state area. We at the Couch Sessions experienced what in comparison to others seem like minor incoveniences from Sandy, then did our small parts to help family, friends, and our communities to get back to normal. We support Reclaim NYC for their idea to link up Ligne Roset with cool designers to give the debris hurricane Sandy created a second life. Brad Ascalon, another founder of the group, says that the project has potential to continue beyond Sandy. Other disaster victims across the country, such as tornado or wildfire survivors, could also benefit from this concept; which makes the project itself reclaimable.

You can donate to the Red Cross here. Like Reclaim NYCs Facebook page, and follow their future projects here.