Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Looks to Inspire the Future Generation of Problem-Solvers
“Where the lessons of Ray and Charles come to life.”
A new project titled the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity has been set into motion, backed by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and led by President & CEO John Cary and Chief Curator Llisa Demetrios, the granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames.
Eames Institute was founded with the mission of sharing the lessons and legacy of the legendary Eames couple that contributed transformative ideas to the fields of furniture design, architecture, and film that serve as the bedrock for many objects and innovations of today. Ray and Charles are best known for their ergonomic chair designs, the most infamous being the classic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
The Institute aims to shed light on Ray and Charles’ approach to solving problems through design, exploring how those concepts can be applied to the challenges of today across all disciplines.
“I learned so much living here with my mother for twenty years, and got to see the wonder on people’s faces when they would experience this material first-hand,” says Llisa Demetrios. “With the Institute and our new website, it’s so exciting to think about how many more people will get to share that experience, and for the legacy of my grandparents to evolve in surprising and delightful new directions.”
“We created the Eames Institute because we want you to examine the archive of what you know—the collection of your experiences, understanding, memories, and questions—and connect to the provocations that call to you,” Cary added. “We want you to tap into that same fount of relentless curiosity, and its power to shift your perception and open you to innovations and discoveries.”
The Eames Institute is based out of the Ray and Charles’ Ranch in Petaluma, California which served as a farm, residence, and artist studio during the designers’ lifetime, and now continues to serve those functions while also operating as an archive for tens of thousands of prototypes, designs, and materials which are being showcased to the public for the first time.
Beyond the physical ranch, the Institute also runs virtual exhibitions and an online magazine named Kazam! which can be found on the Eames Institute website.
Elsewhere in design, Hollaway Studio opens the world’s first multi-floor skatepark.
