Photographs: Raphael Brion

Here's another exhibit at "Pioneers of Change on Governors Island in New York City (running through this weekend) that's worth checking out: "Drawn from Clay" by designers Nadine Sterk and Lonny van Ryswyck Atelier NL in which they explored the fields and meticulously documented the particularities of the soil in the Noordoostpolder area of central Netherlands. They then used the soil to make ceramics tied to their related plots of land.

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Photographs: Raphael Brion

Last week we wrote about the "Go Slow Cafe" at the "Pioneers of Change" exhibit on Governors Island in New York City (that continues over the coming weekend, Fri-Sun), and here's something else we thought we should bring to your attention: Designer Lotte Dekker's ceramic work as part of Platform 21's "Repair house." Part of the project includes a workshop where people can break plates and put them back together.

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Photos: Raphael Brion

Opening this weekend on Governors Island in New York City is "Pioneers of Change," a festival of Dutch design, fashion, and architecture hosted in eleven abandoned former officers' houses as part of NY400, the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage to what would eventually become New Amsterdam. "Pioneers of Change" offers a variety of really interesting work in an assortment of media, even a pop-up design store. But what we went there for, and what you should go there for, is the "Go Slow Café," a project by Droog with Marije Vogelzang of Proef Amsterdam, sloom.org (Rianne Makkink and Herman Verkerk), and Hansje van Halem.

Photos: Raphael Brion

The "Go Slow Café" offers a different kind of "slow food," in which elderly people of New York (volunteers!) prepare and serve food slowly, with attention and care. Its aim is to accentuate ordinary aspects of dining and eating for "a renewed appreciation of details and processes."

Upon entering, you're suggested to wear the provided slippers. Upon sitting down, you're greeted warmly and told that you'll be treated as though you were "visiting our grandmother's for dinner." The tranquil setting and deliberately slow pace transform the dining experience: for example, tea bags are hand-sewn, the mint tea must be steeped, walnuts are presented and cracked to order, even the cutlery is a challenging impediment, causing you to struggle a bit with your food.

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