LMNOP + AIRBNB

SF PRIDE Float + Venue

CLIENT
AIRBNB

ROLE
DESIGNER

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE

What happened was…

AirBnB had just begun its #hostwithpride campaign and needed a float and venue scape to reflect the diversity of those it welcomes. After meeting with the client multiple times offering sketches, digital models, and demonstrative prototypes, we decided no better way to demonstrate diversity than a kaleidoscope. Both the float and the venue intend to reflect the city back on to itself. It is faceted in a way that makes it difficult to look into the mirrored acrylic and see yourself; instead, you see all of the life around you! San Francisco’s response was overwhelmingly positive and the design was even kept by the client.

As the junior designer, I took the lead on this fast and high profile project. It was my responsibility to work with our subcontractors and vendors creating drawings and sourcing materials so that the internal fabrication crew (including myself) were not left with nothing to do. The project utilized a plethora of adventurous materials including mirrored acrylic, colored acrylic, and mylar. Having never used these, the entire team had to quickly learn its behavior and swiftly solve the mistakes when discrepancies came about. The entire process - the highs and the hiccups - is one of my most valued work experiences. It was also pretty cool to ride in the parade.