Since opening in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become an unmistakable icon of New York City that holds a special significance in our collective imagination. It’s easily one of the city’s most photographed locations and is often used as an establishing shot for New York in film and television. Its outdated infrastructure, however, presents a problem. Prior to the coronavirus, the promenade was crammed with thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who use the same paths every day, making the experience uncomfortable and even unsafe.

In response to these conditions, the New York City Council and Van Alen Institute launched Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge, an international design competition that aims to rethink the walkway and spark new conversations about infrastructure. According to a statement by the Van Alen Institute, the design of streets and shared spaces “must be responsive to the present moment and work to correct past injustices. They must foster equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, create a healthy and safe environment for all New Yorkers, and opportunities for small businesses and vendors to flourish.”

The competition recently announced six finalists—three professional submissions and three from students—that offer a compelling set of ideas for responsive short-term interventions and large-scale reconfigurations of the landmark. Selected by an interdisciplinary jury, the shortlisted proposals offer accessibility and environmental improvements that surprise, delight, and fascinate in their own right. A submission by Bjarke Ingels Group and ARUP forgoes vehicles and on-ramps entirely in favor of pedestrians and cyclists; Aubrey Bader and Maggie Redding’s proposal transforms the pedestrian path into a vibrant, meandering public space network. Each finalist will present their proposal at a Design Showdown, held on July 23, with the grand prize winner being announced in late summer.

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Museums and cultural institutions have been profoundly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken a major toll on revenue and financial stability. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is no exception. To help stay afloat, the museum has launched In an Instant: Polaroids for the Aldrich, which commissioned 30 artists to create new works to sustain the museum in serving under-recognized creative talent.

The museum sent each artist a Polaroid camera and asked them to submit work with no restrictions. The artists, which include the likes of B. Wurtz, Sean Mellyn, and Joyce Kozloff, among others, made work within the constraints of their at-home workspace while sheltering in place, yielding an array of images that are equal parts fun and provocative. Each Polaroid is now on sale through July 13 at $175 a piece. In solidarity with the movement to end systemic racism and in recognition of the crucial importance of Black artists, the museum will donate $5,000 from the sale to Black Art Futures, a philanthropic fund that supports Black arts organizations.

Recognized throughout the world as the precursor of modern pret-à-porter fashion, Max Mara is one of the largest international fashion houses. The company was formed in 1951 with the aim of offering “haute de gamme” feminine clothing produced by excellent industrial processes.

Surface Says: Max Mara founder Achille Maramotti sought to bring couture-quality clothing to women in a ready-to-wear line. Decades later, his label continues to produce enduring styles that fit easily into the modern woman’s life.

Mathieu Lehanneur creates colorful scenography for a sneaker show.

One company’s experiment with a four-day workweek has positive results.

The Far Side cartoonist Gary Larson shares his first new work in 25 years.

Laura Estrada’s sprawling metal jewelry artfully adorns the face and body.