DIFFA by Design ran in parallel with ICFF and Wanted Design as a three-day spectacular event to raise funds and awareness for critical causes.
May 21 – 23—Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) continues its mission to raise awareness and provide funding for organizations supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and other societal challenges. With a rich history spanning over three decades, DIFFA has mobilized the resources of the design industry to create legendary programs and events that shed light on the profound impact of these issues.
DIFFA By Design 2023! The remarkable three-day event served as a platform to generate vital funds for DIFFA grantee organizations working tirelessly to address HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues. This year, the exhibit space took on an overarching sustainability theme, captivating attendees with immersive and thought-provoking installations by esteemed brands, designers, and schools. Each installation aimed to mesmerize, educate, and prompt deep reflection on topics ranging from high-tech solutions to poverty alleviation and social inequality to the incorporation of biomorphic design principles that encourage mindfulness.
Design powerhouses HOK, Mohawk Group, Urban Office, and Sven Nielsen joined forces to create a captivating sculptural pod. The pod’s internal cavity acted as a comforting cocoon, inviting guests to unwind and find solace. Crafted with Baltic birch wood, the external texture celebrated biomorphic design principles. Inside, guests experienced a peaceful ambiance, enveloped by a felt lining. This collaborative oasis showcased the transformative power of design, merging creativity, functionality, and serenity.
The event showcased the power of design to advocate for a sustainable future. It introduced tools and methodologies to evaluate products for their environmental impact, raising awareness about the excess, waste, and mass-produced items that often go unnoticed in our daily lives. Through these installations, guests were invited to contemplate their role in creating a more sustainable and interconnected world, emphasizing love, compassion, and personal responsibility.
Roche Bobois introduced Eco8, an in-house tool to assess product sustainability and environmental impact, aligning with DIFFA’s sustainability theme. Within a minimal yet evocative environment, abstract vignettes feature verticality and soft, organic forms. Mirrored stretch fabric covers the walls, subtly revealing colorful neon messages about DIFFA and sustainability. The reflective surface, enhanced by dramatic lighting, creates a space for self-reflection, inviting contemplation on sustainability and personal impact.
Amidst the captivating displays, another remarkable installation commands attention: ACT, a powerful symbol of unity and empowerment. ACT is a physical installation made up of three tubular elements comprised of mirrored discs. The discs reflect the people who look at them, creating a powerful visual reminder of our interconnectedness. The installation features interactive Augmented Reality (AR) elements that help to bring the message of ACT to life. ACT is a call to action. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference.
DIFFA By Design 2023 featured captivating installations by renowned participants, including Benjamin Moore in collaboration with Courtney McLeod of Right Meets Left Interior Design, Gensler & EvensonBest, Roche Bobois in collaboration with Rockwell Group, HOK + Mohawk Group + Urban Office + Sven Nielsen, FLORIM with Perkins&Will, HDR with Giles Miller Studio, Rockwell Group, Creative Chef Studio & Soroteca, Novità + Cynthia Reynolds + Maiarelli Studio + New Collectors Gallery, and Western Sensibility + Focus Lighting. The event also showcased the extraordinary talent of the next generation, with thought-provoking installations created by student design teams from the School of Visual Arts, the New York School of Interior Design, and Parsons the New School of Design.
Highlighting the intersection of sustainability and luxury, the Shop Repurpose boutique presented a pop-up shop featuring decadent designer resale items, including treasures from Barbara Walters’ estate. Additionally, an auction of coveted design finds from renowned brands complemented the DIFFA by Design experience. The event was filled with other engaging activities, including a Happy Hour for ICFF exhibitors and a Gala emceed by Elliott with Two T’s from RuPaul’s Drag Race, featuring captivating performances by the string quartet Well-Strung and DJ Missy B.
DIFFA By Design 2023 succeeded in raising crucial funds for deserving grantee organizations while promoting sustainability, mindfulness, and compassion through the power of design. By uniting the design industry and harnessing its creative energy, DIFFA continues to make a significant impact in supporting HIV/AIDS advocacy and addressing pressing societal challenges.
