The Architectural League and Socrates Sculpture Park invite you to an information session for Folly/Function 2017, a competition for emerging architects and designers to design and create portable and demountable structures for use in the park.

The Information Session will include a presentation by John Hatfield, Executive Director at Socrates, who will discuss the park’s history, studio residency, resources, and how the demountable structures will be used within the park. Hatfield will also talk about past winning entries and the teams’ experiences in previous years. Anne Rieselbach, Program Director at the League, will outline the competition and selection process. Folly 2016 winners Josh de Sousa and Nancy Hou will discuss their experience working within the park, its resources, and their experience designing a functional folly. There will be additional time for questions.

Socrates Sculpture Park, located in Long Island City, Queens, is one of the most distinctive cultural organizations in the country with its combination of waterfront setting, accessibility, and community-based programming. As a venue for the presentation of public art, a New York City park, and an active social space, Socrates has for 30 years harnessed the power of creative minds to transform the urban landscape.

In previous years the Folly program investigated the intersection between sculpture and architecture with temporary structures that intentionally served no utilitarian purpose. For the second year in a row, the competition has shifted to challenge entrants to fuse form with utility, creating designs that explore the intersection of art and architecture while durably addressing and improving the conditions of the park.