Harlem’s Studio Museum shows off its new home, Chicago O’Hare could soon welcome the country’s first airport gay bar, and rising tensions in the Middle East are causing widespread flight disruptions. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
The Studio Museum in Harlem reveals new details ahead of fall reopening
The Studio Museum in Harlem’s new building; photo by Dror Baldinger FAIA, courtesy of Studio Museum in Harlem
The Studio Museum in Harlem has unveiled details for its fall 2025 reopening, highlighting a bold lineup of exhibitions and installations in its new 82,000-square-foot building, which was designed by Adjaye Associates in collaboration with Cooper Robertson. Visitors will encounter a major presentation of Tom Lloyd—whose 1968 show inaugurated the museum—and a dynamic rotating display from the permanent collection that spans two centuries of art by creators of African descent. The opening will also feature archival photography and ephemera tracing the museum’s 56-year history, alongside a new works-on-paper installation by more than 100 alumni of its Artist‑in‑Residence program. Site-specific commissions by Camille Norment (sonic sculptural passageway), Christopher Myers (metal installation in the Education Center), and Kapwani Kiwanga will join longterm works by David Hammons, Glenn Ligon, and Houston Conwill. The launch coincides with a $300 million capital campaign milestone, and includes a rooftop terrace by Studio Zewde, flexible galleries, and a café operated by local restaurant Settepani.
Design competition reimagines unused lots in LA
An interior rendering of Twin Court by wowowoworkshop for the Small Lots, Big Impact design competition; courtesy of wowowoworkshop
A recently design competition challenged architects to think small, but with big results. The Los Angeles Small Lots, Big Ideas design competition—organized by the City of Los Angeles, CityLab-UCLA, and nonprofit LA4LA—called on architects to propose creative infill housing for narrow, underused plots across the city to address its housing needs. Winning projects were selected across two broad categories: Gentle Density (small-scale multifamily homes) and Shared Futures (low-rise multifamily developments). Dwell highlights a few, including the Growing Together prototype by Outpost Office, designed for multigenerational living; and wowowoworkshop’s Twin Court, a dual-home model that fosters micro-communities with shared courtyards. The competition’s phase one concludes with these visionary designs, before the next step to bring the concepts to life through developer RFQ and legislative backing.
Sidetrack proposes first U.S. airport gay bar at O’Hare
A walkway tunnel at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Iconic LGBTQIA+ bar Sidetrack, a staple in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood since 1982, may expand to a new location—O’Hare International Airport. Co-owners Art Johnston and José “Pepe” Peña, in partnership with restaurateur Germán González of Somos Hospitality Group, have submitted a proposal for what would be the first gay bar at a U.S. airport, according to Chicago Tribune. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, signature cocktails, and vibrant events, Sidetrack has long served as a community hub for celebration and advocacy. If approved, the airport location in Terminal 1 could act as both a beacon of inclusion and the perfect billboard for LGBTQIA+ advancement. While the city’s decision on the bid remains months away, Gonzalez and Johnston underscore the importance of representation during a time when LGBTQIA+ rights face mounting challenges.
Flights disrupted amid tensions in the Middle East
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock
Airlines are scrambling to adapt as the U.S. escalates its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, major carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Delta have canceled or diverted flights to and over the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel. According to Skift, airspace closures have forced extended routes, with disruptions expected to last into July. A Qantas flight to Paris, for instance, returned to Australia mid-flight after nearly 15 hours in the air, a striking example of the chaos, reports Business Insider. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways and Air India diverted or canceled flights as hub airports like Doha experienced mounting delays. This situation highlights the ripple effects geopolitical instability can have on global travel, particularly in such a crucial transit region.
A wellness-focused summer at Hospitality Design
Lumina Spa at Namia River Retreat—designed by T3 Architects and Kanopea Architecture Studio—featured in HD’s upcoming July issue; photo courtesy of Namia River Retreat
As wellness continues to shape the future of hospitality, Hospitality Design is dedicating its July issue to the booming industry—covering everything from neuroinclusive spaces to longevity-focused programming and adaptive reuse hotels. In the lead-up, a new report from the Global Wellness Institute forecasts the wellness real estate market will surpass $1 trillion by 2029, pointing to increased demand for built environments that support holistic wellbeing. For more insights, listen to our recent podcast with Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer, who are envisioning the future of Hyatt’s wellness-focused brand Miraval through design and programming. Plus, hear from Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of Remedy Place, who’s redefining the social wellness club experience with a focus on immersive, communal healing (he also appears in the upcoming July issue). Stay tuned for more!
