School Studio's “Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” wins Folly/Function 2019

Out of 64 international submissions, “Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” by Brooklyn-based School Studio was the grand prize winner of the 2019 Folly/Function competition. 

The yearly Architectural League of New York competition invites emerging architects and designers to propose a temporary outdoor installation that explores art and architecture, while also addressing and improving the conditions of the Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. The 2019 edition challenged entrants to design and fabricate an entry kiosk that will be placed at the park entrance this summer.

“Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear” is a mirrored cube with sliding wall-doors, applied signage, and a flexibly designed interior. Maintaining a kiosk's main function of providing information, the installation's mirrored surfaces let it blend into the landscape to “create a paradox of visibility and invisibility”. From afar, the kiosk melts into the scenery when its mirrored doors are closed. Up close, its signage is revealed to visitors and allows them to see a reflection of themselves and the park.

Featuring an exposed I-beam frame, the kiosk has sliding wall extensions that reveal the interior and allow for different structural configurations. Each wall-door features cedar boarding and a flexible hook system to maximize storage and display options. Simple plywood furniture and cabinetry complement the structure.

School Studio's entry was the clear winner to John Hatfield, Socrates Sculpture Park Executive Director and 2019 jury member. “Their design at once captures the history of Socrates Sculpture Park and, quite literally, reflects where we are today. Its playful approach to functionality is both elegant and industrious while offering adaptability to our ever-changing needs,” he said.  

“This highly adaptable concept uses variability as the overarching principle for a playful shelter that combines bold graphics with reflectivity. Coupling the ability to both define or enclose space, the kiosk’s form and size respond organically with changing requirements and seasonal variation, allowing different opportunities for visitor interaction,” added jury member Wendy Evans Joseph of Studio Joseph. 

The installation will open to the public starting Monday, June 17.

Previous Folly/Function winners in recent years include HANNAH's “RRRolling Stones”, Eva Jensen's “Circle Shade - 2πr4”, and Hou de Sousa's “Sticks” pavilion.

Check out more diagrams in the gallery below.

2019 jury: Andrew Bernheimer, principal, Bernheimer Architecture; Wendy Evans Joseph, principal, Studio Joseph; John Hatfield, executive director, Socrates Sculpture Park; Toshihiro Oki, principal, Toshihiro Oki Architect; and Stacie Wong, principal, Gluck+.