Take a Seat: Restaging the Governors Island Summit in Fishbowl Format
Amanda Ramos
2026 Summer Residency
ABOUT THE PROJECT
December 7th, 1988. The Admiral’s House became a site promising of a peaceful and democratic future. President Gorbachev met with President Reagan and President Elect Bush for 25 minutes to discuss his vision to end nuclear arms and the Cold War. They recognized that they could set the world in a direction toward peace. After 5 waves of press Q&A, Gorbachev and Reagan reflected on the foundation they created together. Bush remained silent.
July 25th, 2026. Amanda Ramos opened the Admiral’s House for a timely conversation about the futures of democracy, inviting design leaders and community members actively shaping movements from their respective ecosystems. The experience was choreographed as a radical re-staging and remixing, framed as a “fishbowl” — a liberating structure designed to hold space for discussion free of judgement. You can learn more about the event here.
July 25th, 2026. Amanda Ramos opened the Admiral’s House for a timely conversation about the futures of democracy, inviting design leaders and community members actively shaping movements from their respective ecosystems. The experience was choreographed as a radical re-staging and remixing, framed as a “fishbowl” — a liberating structure designed to hold space for discussion free of judgement. You can learn more about the event here.
COLLABORATORS/SUPPORT
It was an honor to have hosted fishbowl guests Emma Osore, Executive Director of Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Mark Gardner, President of American Institute of Architects NY (AIANY) and Ellen McGirt, Editor-in-Chief of Design Observer.
Special thanks for the photography by Cortney Van Jahnke, illustration by Magnus Westergren, video equipment c/o Aidan Abolfazli, hospitality by The Oberon Group, and installation by volunteers, Diana Liu, Hector (Chato) Ruiz, Hao Jie Sim, and Candice Walker.
Enormous gratitude to the Institute for Public Architecture, School of Visual Arts, and WIN: Women in Innovation for all the resources, support, and care.
Special thanks for the photography by Cortney Van Jahnke, illustration by Magnus Westergren, video equipment c/o Aidan Abolfazli, hospitality by The Oberon Group, and installation by volunteers, Diana Liu, Hector (Chato) Ruiz, Hao Jie Sim, and Candice Walker.
Enormous gratitude to the Institute for Public Architecture, School of Visual Arts, and WIN: Women in Innovation for all the resources, support, and care.
People
