The BMW Guggenheim Lab is a mobile laboratory that will travel to nine major cities worldwide over six years. Starting today, the lab arrives in New York City through October 16th under a theme for Cycle 1 labeled “Confronting Comfort.”

In New York, Berlin, and Asia, the BMW Guggenheim Lab will explore how urban environments, such as our beloved city, can be made more responsive to people’s needs, how people can feel more at ease in these environments, and finding a balance between modern comfort and the urgent need for environmental and social responsibility.

The BMW Guggenheim Lab in New York City is a sight to be seen. The location, called First Park, sits on the bustling corner of Houston and Second Avenue. Once an eye sore filled with trash, and other undesirable items, it has since been transformed into a green, airy respite which is perfect for both summer and fall. It’s only fitting that each of these lab structures will be designed by a different major architect.

While marvelling at these innovations, Bushwick, Brooklyn’s Roberta’s is on site with a pop-up cafe serving food. There you will be able to enjoy summery favorites like tomato cucumber salad, eggplant sandwiches, and delicious hamburgers.

Access to the “Lab” will be free for many events, while some will require online RSVPs. Upcoming programs include unconventional tours exploring the urban fabric, hands-on experiments and how-to workshops, film screenings, and community-based discussions. For more information on upcoming events and background behind the Lab, check out bmwguggenheimlab.org.

- Alan Smithee