In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair: SOFA NEW YORK, renowned New York architect David Ling will transform the Park Avenue Armory into a veritable work of art for an event that itself overflows with top-tier contemporary and modern arts and design.

SOFA NEW YORK visitors will experience Ling’s creativity as soon as they step into the Armory. “I conceived of it as a time machine-like procession,” explains the architect/designer. “This procession leads visitors from the stately, Victorian-era foyer of the Armory through a long, narrow tunnel, tantalizing you with the prospect of an unknown but exciting journey.” The destination: The Armory’s exhibition hall, modernized by Ling’s cutting-edge design, which will hover above the exhibition stands of the 50 participating international art galleries. “Floating high over the exhibitions will be a huge cube of light, out of which smaller blocks of light explode, traveling to all points within the hall like newly formed stars,” says Ling. “I based the concept on the Big Bang Theory. It’s about creation, re-creation and energy, the origin of the universe in the Big Bang. It served as an inspiration for a modernist constellation to light this year’s SOFA NEW YORK. And with the fair’s universe of offerings,” adds Ling, “I think my concept is a fitting one.”

Of the architect’s attention-grabbing design, Donna Davies, the fair’s director, says, “We are thrilled with Mr. Ling’s bold scheme to integrate up-to-the-minute art within the Armory’s historical 19th century architecture, especially since it so expressively spans the range of offerings displayed by the exhibitors—one that is better presented than ever.” Ling also designed an inventive new exhibition layout for the 50 international participants. “Mr. Ling’s innovative floor plan demonstrates how the fair is always evolving through fresh thought,” says Douglas Heller of New York’s Heller Gallery, a participant since its inception in 1993. “To remain relevant in the arts, dealers must constantly reinvent, and SOFA NEW YORK is always right in step with them through the presentation of the exhibitions.” Heller Gallery is demonstrating its enthusiasm for this year’s edition by expanding its exhibition space. Says Heller: “Our belief is that that this year’s 15th anniversary milestone is just as much a celebration of an illustrious past as it is an assured expression of the show’s future, and that future is epitomized by this year’s design by Mr. Ling.”

In 1992, David Ling, a former associate with Richard Meier, I.M. Pei, and Emilio Ambasz, established David Ling Architects, an internationally recognized practice that has completed projects all around the United States, Europe and Asia. “The artistic integration of space, form, light and function: each enriched by materiality”—that is how Ling describes the essence of his award-winning designs for exhibitions, high-end retail stores, offices and residences. SOFA NEW YORK 2012, venue for Ling’s latest work, will open April 20 and run through April 23 at New York City’s Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue at 67th Street. ‘)}