NO. 2 – PUBLIC, NYC
panel commentary
architect The design for Public was partially inspired by buildings of the FDR-era Works Progress Administration, constructions which tended to have the same effect as medieval European cathedrals or mosques had on their constituents – they provided the common man with a belief that there was an institution larger than themselves they could have faith in. We’ve never seen this idea epitomized so clearly as in some of these photos, the sense of solidity and scale relative to our wee man Bruno is completely intoxicating. – Adam Farmerie, AvroKO
counselor/educator This child is happy to be in this space. Several photos show him smiling. He interacts with the “wall” of small drawers by touching and opening one, navigates the spaces between tables and chairs. He moves through these different configurations of the space. He seems very small next to a large doorway and a very tall plant. The ceilings are not visible, but the space suggests that they are high. Yet, despite the contrast of his size and the size of the space he is in, he is exploring as a child would do when they feel safe and confident. – Lynn Margileth, counselor and educator
parent Bruno helps prove the theory that an object in motion tends to stay in motion. He has his times of rest but they seem to be few and far between — reading, eating, and sleeping, then right back to it. He loves to investigate but it happens at a high pace and is usually self narrated with stories and songs and accentuated with role play or dance. Much of his analysis of the day’s activities happens as it comes to a close and he is winding down, getting ready for bed, when he is processing all of the sights and sounds from the days events. – Brad Farmerie, dad to Bruno
photographer A silhouetted skip-step, a thoughtful pause, pointing, explaining, I found Bruno’s inner world a magical one, and tried to keep up as he ran through the restaurant giving cooking lessons (no doubt, inspired by his chef Dad). Bruno’s list of ingredients and dialogue with invisible characters absorbed his consciousness intermittently, and he seemed pretty content to have me following him to document it. Someone as smart and quick as this child leaves you feeling wiser, more experienced having attempted to follow his logic, although it’s almost impossible to articulate what has been glimpsed. – Sarah Sloboda, photographer
previous Kids in Space: Green Depot flagship store, NYC
