Last week, the Uni made several appearances at the New Museum’s IDEAS CITY.

First, architect J. Meejin Yoon talked about the Uni design at “Ad Hoc Strategies.” Then, Sam and I attended the Audi Urban Future Initiative luncheon and heard Columbia University’s five hypotheses for cities in 2050. (Think Uni: “transgenerational capacity,” “mobility,” and “generosity.”) We then presented the Uni at a panel curated by Kickstarter and miLES (Made in the Lower East Side).

Uni at Ideas City

Amazing book donated by Museum of Chinese in America. When you put something delicate in public space, people feel respected by that choice, and they give respect (to the book and to the Uni).

Finally, we deployed the Uni on a closed-off street as part of wonderful new cubes. Columbia University gradate student and educator Andrew Collins showed us ants. Seattle-based science writer and museum exhibit developer Winifred Kehl explained geologic time scale. Artist Lisa Bateman showed us some of the oldest books in public circulation in the New York area, drawing our attention to physical books that are disappearing. Special thanks to Andrew for guiding patrons on the scope and to Lisa for stopping by.

Here are the photos (captions by Sam):

Uni at IDEAS CITY

En route to festival, Uni passes NYPD Queens Mobile Command Center. Tactical approach.

Uni at IDEAS CITY

Uni at IDEAS CITY

Uni at IDEAS CITY

Biologist Andrew Collins gets things rolling with the new ant cube. Microscope!

Uni at IDEAS CITY

I’m making a mental note here: raise funds and help Andrew reach neighborhoods all across NYC.

Uni at IDEAS CITY

The cross-legged posture of an experienced reader who needs no table to read. Role model.

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

First time on the street for beautiful book on biodiversity, “One Cubic Foot,” by David Liittschwager.

Uni at Ideas City

This amazing pop-up book from Paris will be in the hands of New Yorkers all summer.
Our goal: make a place where NYC kids can actually hold a book like this.

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

Solved! Nice work.

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

NYC artist Lisa Bateman curated a cube gathering some of the oldest books in circulation in the New York Area.

Uni at Ideas City

New cube about geologic time scale created by Winifred Kehl, a science writer and museum exhibit developer.

Uni at Ideas City

Volunteer Emily keeps an eye on patron’s bike.

Uni at Ideas City

Volunteers Leigh and Emily take a break in the sun.

Uni at Ideas City

Uni at Ideas City

Patron on right is reading: “Man who Walked Between the Towers.”

Uni at Ideas City

Sun sets on the Uni. Load out, and three new deployments next week. Thanks all.