Design Miami creator Craig Robins has an unerring instinct for wildly successful ventures that consistently thrust Miami into the international spotlight. A respected art collector and real estate developer, Robins was also instrumental in bringing Art Basel, the international art fair, from Switzerland to Miami Beach, where it now draws in excess of 100,000 people to the area each December.
The Miami Beach native, pioneered the restoration of Art Deco buildings and hotels in the south end of Miami Beach in the 80s, taking countless historic but dilapidated landmarks back to their original glory — the catalyst for what became trendy South Beach. Robins did the same for the once-desolate, now-thriving Miami Design District.
In the same innovative vein, Robins conceived Design Miami. It’s become a nexus for the global community of cutting-edge design dealers, top galleries, curators, collectors, and critics to capitalize on the growing desire and interest in design, elevating it to an art form. At this seventh Design Miami edition, UK-based architect David Adjaye is being honored as Designer of the Year.
DAISY: How did Design Miami come about?
ROBINS: As a collector, I realized that design, while easily collectable, had never been showcased side by side with art. The idea of collecting design and art was more dynamic and so Design Miami was born in the Design District. It was so successful so quickly that six months later in June 2006 we took the show to Basel, Switzerland and started Design Miami/Basel. Today the two shows are the most important design shows in the world.
DAISY: How do you describe Design Miami to someone who has never heard of it and why is it so important to show pieces this way?
ROBINS: Design Miami is the most prominent and substantive forum for design. It is a global event where you see commerce and culture converge. It brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world – twice a year – for a presentation of the most important and cutting-edge work in limited-edition design. It provides a look into design’s history and design’s future; and it facilitates a dialogue about design today.
DAISY: What stood out about David Adjaye’s work?
ROBINS: David Adjaye is a remarkable talent. He is being honored as Designer of the Year because of his entire body of work. His career and his work crosses disciplines and show the beauty that can be realized when architecture, design and art interplay in a thoughtful way.
DAISY: What’s different in Design Miami 2011?
ROBINS: The beauty of Design Miami is that every show is entirely new. Every show is a comment on the design culture of our time. This year, David Adjaye’s site specific piece Genesis has literally transformed the footprint of our show and the fairgoer experience. Our gallery roster for the main program has increased by 40% over last year, which bodes well for collectible design. Twenty-three galleries are taking part in the Gallery Program and there are five Design On/Sites. Important pieces by French architects of 40s and 50s, Brazilian and California Modern, Scandinavian Mid-Century, Postmodern Italian design, the French 60s and 70s, Korean craft, artists’ and designers’ jewelry and a large spectrum of experimental contemporary work from both established and emerging designers – all have a place at Design Miami/ this year.
DAISY: I’ve known you for over 13 years and what amazes me is you never take a step in business without thinking of how it can best add to our city. What drives you?
ROBINS: I love being part of a community, making a contribution and feeling like I’m helping my community advance. That’s my idea of leadership, doing good projects and improving the place in which I live and work.
By Daisy Olivera
WHEN: Design Miami/ November 30th – December 4th
WHERE: Meridian Avenue and 19th street Miami Beach (adjacent to Miami Beach Convention Center location of Art Basel/Miami Beach)
http://designmiami.com http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/
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