Loren Daye's LOVEISENOUGH studio has forged a partnership with USM Modular Furniture, a renowned Swiss furniture innovator, to introduce an engaging installation titled THE ROOM YOU CARRY. This immersive experience is set to open its doors at USM's SoHo showroom. Drawing upon Daye's extensive background in various design disciplines, the project meticulously transforms the exhibition area into what she describes as a 'nomadic city capsule.' Within this innovative space, visitors are invited to engage with a deeply personal and interactive living environment, crafted to embody Daye's free-spirited approach and empathetic design principles.
The installation profoundly explores concepts of fundamental shelter and adaptive architecture. It ingeniously repurposes USM’s modular framework, elevating it beyond mere furniture to serve as a core architectural element. A striking tent-like structure, crowned with a canvas roof, anchors one section of the exhibit. This is complemented by an array of paravents and storage units, meticulously constructed from raw steel, glass, and chrome, which collectively define protective zones and delineate distinct spaces. Each component is thoughtfully enhanced with magnetic, hand-carved wooden embellishments, crafted from reclaimed timber sourced from the Catskills region, where LOVEISENOUGH maintains its creative base. These elements serve to ground the exhibition, imbuing it with a sense of place and personal history.
Bringing this ambitious vision to fruition, Daye collaborated closely with Matt Hutchinson from PATH. Their joint effort involved advanced 3D modeling to explore unconventional material combinations, effectively blurring the lines between traditionally soft and rigid components. The contemplative ambiance of the installation is further amplified by carefully curated ambient audio and video recordings by wildlife photographer Jamie Kennard. These sensory elements envelop guests, inviting them to ponder the intrinsic tension between the dense urban environment and the tranquil sanctuary of nature. As Daye provocatively questions, \"How wild can you be inside a hard set of limiting parameters?\"—a query that encapsulates the minimalist yet profound ethos underpinning the entire installation. Jon Thorson, CEO and Brand Experience Director of USM North America, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this collaboration, highlighting its expansive scope and conceptual richness, marking it as a significant milestone for USM USA.
Running until the close of 2025, THE ROOM YOU CARRY extends an invitation to guests to observe the dynamic evolution of interior styling and to critically assess the profound influence design exerts on human behavior, both within bustling urban centers and serene rural landscapes. This exhibition challenges perceptions, encouraging a deeper understanding of how our designed environments shape our experiences and interactions.