Dezeen Magazine

Office of Tangible Space Lamp in Puiblic Records

Public Records puts on exhibition to launch design service in New York

Public Records has hosted an exhibition and event during NYCxDesign week to mark the launch of its in-house design service, which aims to "bridge that gap" between designers and developers.

After five years of renovating a post-industrial space in Brooklyn, the venue's team announced that it would start the Public Service design agency that will work with developers to expand its design-focused approach to hospitality outwards.

Metal design pieces with large stereos
Public Records has launched a design agency in New York. Top and above photo by Jonathan Hokklo

Public Records co-founder Shane Davis said that though much of the design for Public Records has been in-house, the team worked with architects and designers such as Mattaforma for its garden space.

Davis said that Public Service will take the collaborative experience into work with developers. Its work will include concept, design, programming, and operations.

Studio Jialun Xiong lamp
It held an exhibition to mark the occasion. Photo of lamp by Studio Jialun Xiong by Jonathan Hokklo

"As the building market becomes more competitive and the lines continue to blur between hospitality, residential, and office, we believe developers will increasingly need real cultural partners to create meaningful projects," Davis told Dezeen, adding that he plans to work with "like-minded" organisations.

"Real estate developers often work with who they know, and there are certain designers that work within that space," he continued.

"We aim to help bridge that gap and connect designers typically operating in a more cultural space to our projects, and to translate these relationships and understandings between real estate and design."

Chair with black and white marble background
American designers were selected to help decorate the space. Photo by Jonathan Hokklo

To mark the agency's launch, Public Records hosted an exhibition and party during NYCxDesign, which was co-hosted by Dezeen.

A number of design luminaries were present at the event, such as Italian designer Luca Nichetto and New York designer Minjae Kim, as well as Dezeen's co-CEOs Ben Hobson and Wai Shin Li.

Designer Michael Scanlon of Chandelier Creative was the DJ for the event.

Black marble with metal lamp
Many of the pieces present were lamps rendered in metal. Photo by Jonathan Hokklo

For the exhibition, Public Records and design consultancy Hello Human placed objects by American designer studios such as Astraeus ClarkeOffice of Tangible Space and Studio Jialun Xiong in the venue's upstairs lounge.

Most of the pieces were lamps and chandeliers rendered in metal, going with the sleek, modern design of the space.

"We're excited to be able to strengthen our existing relationships within the design community through these collaborative projects across scales," said Davis, who said that he will keep some of the pieces displayed in the venue going forward.

"A few of the pieces are likely going to live upstairs which wasn't at all the plan," he continued.

"We love when unexpected outcomes manifest through open-minded experimentation. It was the perfect narrative to establish the mindset of the studio."

Public Records design party
Public Records co-hosted an event with Dezeen and Hello Human to mark the launch. Photo by James Hartley

Dezeen was present at a number of events during NYCxDesign week, including talks with Danish design studio Carl Hansen & Son and UK design studio The New Standard.

Last week, we covered a trend towards group shows focused on small objects at this year's NYCxDesign.

NYCxDesign was on from 16 to 24 May across New York City. For more events, talks and exhibitions in architecture and design, visit Dezeen Events Guide. 

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Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event
Public Records NYCxDesign Event