Dear Members and Friends,
Recently I stopped to think about 'authenticity' and the importance of authentic design and architecture.
I suppose I am a purist, but I am opposed to objects and buildings pretending to be something that they are not.
Examples include plastic laminate that looks like marble or polyesters disguised as silks, big box stores housed in generic buildings, composite 'wood-look' decks, fake columns, etc. It gets more and more difficult to find authentic experiences - ‘chain’ restaurants that are found on every other corner in the world have consumed even the smallest of towns. And every major city has an aquarium that showcases the same types of exhibits.
It is encouraging when I see an investment in historic architecture or in the history of small towns. It would be great to see this history of our great Canadian cities and towns be made visible through streetscapes, exhibits, signage, preservation or new technological advances.
It's easy for developers, city governments, restaurateurs’ or business owners to use formulaic solutions, but I challenge everyone to find the 'uniqueness' in the opportunity and create something timeless. I know that authenticity is not always practical, but it does make an object, environment or experience that much more special.
Sam
*The Design Exchange is a proud member of Imagine Canada, the national charity that delivers research-based products and services to strengthen and promote Canada's community nonprofit sector.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXHIBITIONS
Bent Out of Shape: Canadian Industrial Design 1945 – Present
July 16th – October 10, 2010
$10 Adult, $8 Student/Senior, Free for DX members
Bent Out of Shape celebrates the Design Exchange’s rich industrial design collection dating from
1945 to the present. The exhibition showcases the permanent collection through the lens of material, method, technology, identity and transformation. In doing so Bent Out of Shape will illustrate rapid political, technological, and social changes which burst forth following WWII and moving toward modernity.
Design Domestic
July 5 – August 19, 2010
Free admission
Design Domestic is a photographic-based exhibit featuring nine Canadian designers/artists in their homes. The photographs will be exhibited alongside a personal artifact, on loan to the DX by each of the designers/artists. An Te Liu, Andrew Jones, Anne Cormier, Claude Cormier, Jason MacIsaac, Martin Kohn, Micah Lexier, Renee Daoust and Shaun Moore all to be featured.
Will Alsop: New Work.
The best is yet to come
August 25 – October 18, 2010
Free Admission
Will Alsop. New Work. The Best Is Yet To Come is an assemblage of memorabilia that reflects work, relationships and interests. The emergent mélange of history gives glimpses of the person but also an insight into working life. The idea of "Glimpse" is important.
Alsop explores themes that include the public view, beauty, light, proportion, the dirty canvas, tyranny of style, behavior, not function, materials, colour, immediacy, the health risk of boredom and urban migration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROGRAMS
Summer Camps at the DX
Don’t forget to register your kids for design camps! Save your spot in Micro Design, Fashion in the Bag or Green Fashion. This year, in association with The Canadian Stage Company we present Drama & Dance for two weeks of fun filled activity and performances.
To download a registration package, visit: www.dx.org/designcamp
For more information, contact Katie Weber, Camp Director at 416-216-2138 or Katie@dx.org
Call for Submissions: 2010 Design Exchange Awards
The Design Exchange Awards (DXA’s) promote Canadian design excellence and recognizes the critical role of design in all types of organizations including commercial entities (large and small businesses), not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. The awards celebrate the success stories achieved through close partnerships between clients and designers. The DXA's are Canada’s only award program to judge design by results, balancing function, aesthetics, and economic success.
Entry deadline is September 30, 2010.
To submit, visit:
www.dx.org/dxa
For more information contact Noa Bronstein at noa@dx.org
Call For Submissions: CANSTRUCTION
Canstruction is a unique competition highlighting the creativity and generosity of Toronto’s design professionals. Teams design and build structures completely out of canned food for the benefit of the Daily Break Food Bank. Structures are displayed in November throughout Cadillac Fairview grounds including the Design Exchange.
To view past entries or to participate visit: www.sdacanada.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IN FOCUS
NOT MADE IN CHINA
After studying photography and anthropology, Hugo Didier decided to devote himself to ceramics. Didier has chosen to follow the path of his ancestors as he comes from a long line of potters. With a strong background outside the field of ceramics, he decided to use this knowledge by merging old with new to produce a committed and modern collection.
The ceramicist explores the relationship we have with objects found all around us: their geographical origins, the methods with which they have been produced, their final use, and their inherent emotional connection--all of which stimulates his creativity.
www.hugodidier.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS
DX Black & White Fundraising Gala
Something great will happen on 10/23/10
Where will you be?
TRIP TO ISRAEL WINNER!
Congratulation’s to Richard Murray for entering and winning the contest in conjunction with our recent From Mediterranean Traditional to Israeli Contemporary Design exhibit
at the DX. He has won a trip for 2 to Israel! Thanks to all our sponsors and partners: Israel Government Tourist Office, Air Canada and Peerless Travel and Cruise.
CALL FOR ENTRIES
DX STRATEGIC PLANNING RFP
Design Exchange is embarking on a strategic planning exercise to address changing dynamics, re-define a vision/strategy to achieve its core mandate, and reconsider the business related sustainability model on which the DX operates. The DX intends to retain the services of a qualified external advisor to assist with the strategic planning process, which is scheduled to occur from September 2010 to June 2011. Find the RFP here.
Make the Most of your Museum Experience!
The Design Exchange is excited to introduce our new Reciprocal Admission program
in collaboration with the Gardiner Museum, the Bata Shoe Museum and the Museum of Inuit Art!
After visiting the Design Exchange, guests will receive a special 2-for-1 admission price at any one of the participating museums. To enjoy this offer, simply bring your DX receipt with you to one of the other 3 specialty museums within 7 days (including day of purchase).
Make the most of your experience and plan your visits with us today!! www.dx.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBER NEWS
DX WELCOMES NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS!
Fish Out of Water Design
Fish out of Water Design Inc. is a communications and design firm with a passion for creativity and problem solving. Our unique ability to create simplicity out of complexity provides refreshing solutions that drive results. www.fishoutofwaterdesign.com
Kasian Architecture
Established in 1985, Kasian is one of the largest integrated architecture and interior design firms in Canada. With more than 300 team members located in Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, and Shanghai, Kasian has resources and expertise to deliver planning and design projects effectively and efficiently throughout Canada, and select locations worldwide.
Kasian offers fully integrated teams with members selected for their experience, skill, and passion. Kasian’s practice areas of expertise encompass Commercial, Interior Design, Civic, Health Care, Transportation, Academic, Research & Technology and Strategic Facilities Planning. www.kasian.com
Launch by Design Inc.
Launch by Design Inc. is an award-winning, internationally recognized architectural interior design firm. Providing dynamic designs for Retail, Hospitality, and Kids’ and Teens’ Cubs. The firm has built a solid reputation on delivering premium service and high standards to all their creative designs and growing international clientele. A multi-disciplinary studio that produces dynamic design solutions. Their brilliant designs and reputation launch them to international venues. www.launchbydesign.com
Core Architects’ Project Wins SLOW HOME AWARD
Core Architects and Freed Developments were awarded Best Loft/Apartment Design in Toronto for their condominium project Seventy5 at 75 Portland St. The Slow Home movement advocates thoughtful design of residential living environments that deliver effective space utilization, a connection to the outdoors and the community, and key environmental considerations.
Learn more about Core Architectsand the Slow Home Movement.
DX MEMBERSHIP!
Cool off at the DX during the summer months and explore other reciprocal galleries too. DX members receive reciprocal admission to other galleries that are members of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries. Learn more about what the DX has to offer you. Download the membership application form and become a member today!
www.dx.org/membership
For a complete listing of DX member benefits, visit our website at www.dx.org or call our Membership Coordinator, Rosa at 416.216.2127
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fairmont Royal York Tea
The Fairmont Royal York has been providing the Afternoon Tea tradition since it opened in 1929. Tea is served in fine china along with sandwiches and pastries on Saturdays and Sundays in the Library Bar.
Tea time includes a chance to explore the hotel’s famous rooftop herb garden and bee apiary 18 stories above ground. For reservations call 416 860 5050 or festive@fairmont.com
Hylozoic Ground - YOU’VE GOT A FROND IN VENICE
Hylozoic Ground is Canada’s official entry to the Venice Biennale for architecture August 29 – November 21, 2010. It is an outstanding marriage of architecture, art, science and technology. Help build Hylozoic Ground one frond at a time!
Buy a frond, on of the delicate leaf-like building blocks of the installation, for a $100 donation. You name will be featured in our publicity, on our website and on our sponsor wall in Venice. Click here for more information.
Roots x Douglas Coupland
Iconic Retailers Michael Budman and Don Green of Roots and Author / Thinker Douglas Coupland come together to deliver a fresh Canadian brand through fashion.
more at www.roots.com
T.O.Haiti
Help. Listen. Lean. Dance like you give a damn.
Architecture for humanity Toronto
A Fundraiser For Haiti Earthquake Reconstruction
The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West)
Thursday August 5th at 7pm
Tickets @ tohaiti.eventbrite.com or @ the door for $30
Featuring:
Guest Speakers; Doug Allen & Tamsin Ford
For more information visit: www.architectureforhumanity.ca
Interior Designers of Canada News
Teknion has announced that Ron Hughes, VP of Teknion Canadian Sales was recently names a Director of the Interior Designers of Canada’s new Board of Management. IDC’s recent restructure intends to strengthen its role as the voice of Canadian designers, coast to coast. Ron’s goal as part of the “new” IDC is to represent industry members such as Teknion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Opportunities
POST YOUR JOBS ON-LINE WITH THE DX!
Whether you are looking for good designers or are you looking for a great place to work in the design industry, keep your eyes on “Careers in Design” on our website. Contact Rosa with submissions at rosa@dx.org or 416.216.2127.
Click here to visit our Careers in Design page. New jobs posted daily.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer Your Time And Learn About Design!
The DX has programs, lectures and many activities for the public, and we need your help! We are always looking for new people to join our volunteer corps. Whether it′s working on an event, graphic or web design, or assisting in our admin. office, you can be sure your time and help will make a difference! Your energy and imagination will help us deliver our programs! Find out how to register call Daniela Mason at 416 216 2160 or daniela.mason@dx.org
Suppliers And Vendors, Contribute In-kind To The DX!
Calling all design suppliers! The DX is looking for suppliers and vendors to help keep our facility on the leading edge of interior design. Over 250,000 people see our spaces each year so this is a great opportunity for you. As well, we can promote you via this Express newsletter and on our website. If you are interested, please don't hesitate to contact
Cindy Grenke at 416.216.2134 or cindy@dx.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment