DUMBO

Design group chooses Brooklyn Bridge Park for annual award

September 26, 2013 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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Brooklyn Bridge Park will receive the International Furnishing and Design Association’s (IFDA’s) annual Big Apple Award on Oct. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Galapagos Art Center, 16 Main St., DUMBO.

IFDA, according to its website, is “the only all-industry association whose members provide services and products to the furnishings and design industry.” The group was founded in 1947 by six women in the home furnishing industry, in part to further the role of women in the profession. Later, the organization admitted men and grew to encompass all facets to furnishing and design.

Co-chair Su Hilty told the Eagle that Brooklyn Bridge Park was chosen for the award after a “pretty rigorous process” involving a committee and the organization’s membership.

Asked why the park was selected, she said, “I love what they’ve done to the waterfront, I love the mixture of the water, the greenery, the little surprises you get throughout the park, and the way it’s involving the community, too. I love the Squibb Bridge.”

It’s also significant, she said, that a Brooklyn institution was chosen. “We feel the lines are blurring between the boroughs,” she said. “If you say, `I live in DUMBO,’” you don’t have to say, `I live in DUMBO in Brooklyn.’ I live in the Village, and getting to the park is very simple.”

The group expects about 200 people at Galapagos. The MC will be Carlo Scissura, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steele will present the award to Regina Myer, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Other speakers who will pay tribute to the park include Doug Blonsky, president and CEO, Central Park Conservancy; Susan Chin, executive director, Design Trust for Public Space; and Paul Seck, partner, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

Ms. Myer said,  “The IFDA is a leader in highlighting the creativity and innovation of the design field, and we are thrilled that such an esteemed organization is recognizing Brooklyn Bridge Park’s renowned sustainable design. We are especially proud to be included among such past honorees as MoMA and Grand Central Station.”

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