Core77

There's something very sweet about firing up the NextFest with Cameron Sinclair's Design Like You Give A Damn book launch last Wednesday night, hosted by the New York Public Library's Live from the NYPL series. Moderated by John Hockenberry and featuring Cameron, Kate Stohr and Cynthia Barton, the evening served a jam-packed room (and simulcast den upstairs) full of the converted (natch), but nevertheless keen on learning more, supporting the book (we heard the book-signing line was forever), and, well, generally giving a damn.

Standout quotables were Hockenberry's "being a moderator for Cameron Sinclair is frustrating, 'cause right now is probably the last time you're going to hear me talk," and the more germane "less than 2% of new construction in America uses architects." The panelists ran through several of their favorite projects from the book (for I.D. types, the Grip Clip is the runaway hit), then talked about some of the work that AFH is currently engaged in. We remember seeing Cameron back-in-the-day when he was turning his back on architectural practice, carrying his businesscards in a Ziplock back (no joke) and beginning what can only be regarded--and with affection here--as a crusade. Now with over 40 chapters, the work of AFL is a true inspiration, and anyone interested in making the world a better place should sign themselves up. There're only two more prizes--after the TED--that Sinclair can get; we'll be cheering all the way.

P.S. One of the best things about the evening was watching someone set up their Powerbook (with built-in iSight cam), facing the stage, and Video iChat-ing the evening to their friend. Here's the pic (thanks Heidi):