The SCAD Installation Transforms the University Booth at Design Miami
Amy Duong — December 8, 2025 — Art & Design
References: scad.edu
The SCAD plaster installation is a large-scale haptic installation created by New York-based designer and SCAD sculpture graduate Sarah Fonzi for the university’s booth at Design Miami. The work is composed of thousands of plaster cast objects, including toy ships, umbrellas and beetles that cover the booth walls to create a dense sculptural texture. The installation forms part of a broader presentation of alumni work that explores the contrast between softness and hardness through natural materials and handmade processes.
At the center of the booth, furniture design graduate Christian Dunbar presented a solid wood desk defined by sweeping curves and detailed craftsmanship. Textile designer Adrian Pepe contributed two embroidered wool tapestries informed by the culture and mythology of Beirut. Fibres graduate Carl Johnson added three suspended metal and cotton light sculptures. Together, the works presented a cross-section of materials, techniques, and craft disciplines represented within the SCAD alumni community.
Image Credit: SCAD
At the center of the booth, furniture design graduate Christian Dunbar presented a solid wood desk defined by sweeping curves and detailed craftsmanship. Textile designer Adrian Pepe contributed two embroidered wool tapestries informed by the culture and mythology of Beirut. Fibres graduate Carl Johnson added three suspended metal and cotton light sculptures. Together, the works presented a cross-section of materials, techniques, and craft disciplines represented within the SCAD alumni community.
Image Credit: SCAD
Trend Themes
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Material Hybridization — Blending diverse materials like metal, cotton, and plaster in artistic installations highlights the potential for innovative textures and structural designs.
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Nostalgic Art Revival — Using everyday objects such as toy ships and umbrellas in large-scale sculptures brings a sense of nostalgia and taps into emotional design trends.
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Cultural Narratives in Design — Designs influenced by cultural and mythological themes, like the embroidered wool tapestries inspired by Beirut, signify a move towards more narrative-driven artistic expressions.
Industry Implications
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Art and Sculpture — The installation's use of thousands of textured plaster casts opens new avenues in the art world for creating intricate, sensory-stimulating environments.
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Textile Design — Embodying cultural mythology within textile design showcases an intersection between fabric art and storytelling, offering fresh perspectives in home and fashion industries.
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Furniture Design — The crafting of curved, solid wood furniture pieces exemplifies a burgeoning interest in innovative woodworking techniques and sustainable material use.
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