On November 2nd, 2009, Rockwell Group designers and innovation Lab teamed up to install the 11th annual New York Taste event hosted by New York Magazine at the Skylight event space in Soho. To enhance the magic and excitement of having tastings from over 50 of New York’s most prized chefs and mixologists, the Lab installed an 8-foot suspended, double-sided projection screen made of 480 paper plates, onto which a continuously transforming montage of images were projected representing the five taste categories (salty, savory, sweet, sour and bitter).

This installation was custom made by the Lab, from the software to the photography. The software was written in C++ using openFrameworks, allowing the Lab to create custom calibration tools to tailor the program to the space. The software randomly generated the order of the images each time it transitioned to one of the five tastes. In addition each projected plate “flipped” back and forth at another randomly determined interval, creating a new dynamic pattern every time.

Rockwell Group also reinterpreted traditional culinary kitchenware through unusual representations of forks, knives, spoons, and plates with a screen of 442 paper plates hanging at the VIP area, each laser cut with different patterns inspired by traditional and modern china patterns; five oversize circular discs behind the VIP area with the letters T-A-S-T-E spelled out using cutlery; and cutting boards hanging in the entrance hallway with each chef’s name engraved into the wood along with a measuring spoon containing their favorite spice. Most of our design features are easily recycled (biodegradable paper plates), are made of recycled materials (innovative ECO™ by Cosentino bar top composed of 75% recycled content), or tread very lightly on the earth (projections).

Design Credit List
Event Design: Rockwell Group
Projection Technology and Installation above Central Bar: Lab at Rockwell Group
Projection Equipment: SenovvA, Inc.
Printing of Graphic Signage: BPI Reproductions
VIP Lounge Seating Arrangements: Desiron Candy Collection by David Rockwell; and Design Within Reach
VIP Lounge Carpets: The Rug Company