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PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
Dear Members
and Friends,
Happy Spring. This past month has been incredibly busy. Paola
Poletto, our director of programs and I traveled to Guadalajara,
Mexico in February to give a lecture on Canadian design and
a two-day workshop on sustainable and universal design to
students and professors at the University of Guadalajara School
of Architecture and Design. Other schools in the area participated
as well. There is a huge opportunity for architects and designers
to help our southern neighbour - not only in education, but
also in investment. We discovered some great new ideas - such
as the potential for building products made from the waste
fibers of the Blue Agave Catcus from Tequila production. And
we also discovered a city ready to embrace the future of sustainable
and universal design. Our workshop produced some ideas needed
in the marketplace, such as a refrigerator that uses cold
night air to cool food and save electricity. In Canada - we
could use that idea all winter long! We will have the results
of the workshop on display at the DX later this year. Paola
and I participated as guests of the Canadian government as
part of the celebration of Canada Week in Jalisco, an area
that is home to several thousand Canadians. We also learned
that Guadalajara is planning to open a design centre.
Have you visited the DX lately?
We are fortunate to have a great DX facility, and a great
business in renting it. Proceeds from renting the DX for product
launches, AGMs, parties, etc. go to fund our education programs.
This provides the majority of our operational funding. The
remainder of our operating funds are comprised of individual
and corporate donations. Additionally, we recieve funds from
Cadillac Fairveiw, which are passed through the City of Toronto,
to help wtih maintenance of the facility. However, as you
may expect, maintenance costs have outgrown these funds. Government
grants are project specific and do not fund staffing or operations.
Donations to the DX make an
enormous difference to us. Small or large, in-kind or cash,
we depend upon you to help us promote Canadian design. If
you are interested in helping us make the DX the best it can
be, please email sam@dx.org with your ideas.
Sam
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DX
BOARD MEMBER PROFILE
Colleen
Baldwin, BID, ARIDO, IDC, Principal, Business Development
- Straticom Planning Assoc.
Colleen joined (what was later to become)
Straticom in 1989, after several years of experience
in residential, retail and commercial design. As a founding
partner of Straticom, she has created a firm that cares
about its clients and employees. They have fun and do
great work! Colleen's love of design started as a child
and she lives and breathes design in her life. She is
a bundle of energy and sees sleep as a waste of time!
She is also the super busy mother of a beautiful little
boy.
Annually, Straticom typically completes over 600,000
square feet of facilities projects ranging from basic
office planning assignments to major relocations involving
over 2000 staff. Straticom's collective experience and
expertise includes complex reconfigurations within existing
premises, design/build and turn-key solutions. Straticom
specializes in highly technical installations including
securities trading sites, call centres and computer/
data processing facilities.
Colleen was elected to the DX Board
of Directors in May 2003.
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DESIGNER
IN FOCUS
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FIG
Design
Fig Industrial Design is the studio
name for the design work of Lee David Fletcher. Lee
has been a designer since before he could manipulate
his first Lego block. He was educated in Canada and
the UK achieving a MA in Industrial Design from Manchester
Metropolitan University, where he learned not simply
‘how’ we design but ‘why’ we
design.
He has been in the professional practice
of Industrial Design for 15 years – 10 years in
consulting and 5 years in manufacturing, in an attempt
to broaden his understanding of the design through production
process. His product experiences have ranged from outdoor
public playgrounds to dental equipment and office furniture.
Throughout these projects a central theme has emerged
- a rational approach to form giving, and a constant
search for the appropriate and balanced solution given
a product’s context and a project’s constraints.
Lee holds 3 patents, has won a number
of design awards, and is a professional member of the
Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario.
http://www.figindustrialdesign.com
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May
26tH, Doors Open - Join Thousands of People at the DX to
Tour the Historic Trading Floor.
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DX
Power Lecture Series
April 3rd, 2007
Janet Rosenberg
Date: April 3, 2007
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street, Toronto,
Historic Trading Floor
Cost: $15 per person
Students/Seniors: $10
Block of 10 tickets: $100
or free to DX Members
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Janet
Rosenberg, founder and principal of Janet Rosenberg
+ Associates Landscape Architects Inc., possesses extensive
experience in the development of detailed design features,
the integration of artistic elements into the landscape,
and considerable horticultural expertise. She is endowed
with the fundamental understanding of large-scale site
development and environmental issues, a well-developed
sense of what constitutes the successful smaller-scale
space, and an intuitive comprehension of the enduring
relationship between built form and the landscape. |
IDEAL
CITIES AND THE ROLE OF DESIGN IN REMAKING URBAN SPACE
Dates: June 14-16, 2007
This interdisciplinary conference,
the second presented by the Design Exchange, Canada’s
National Design Centre, explores the varied and future states
of cities - more specifically the economic, social and cultural
lives of societies. This conference invites papers that explore
such topics as the architectural, design and material culture
of cities, densification, urban renewal, branding, zoning,
adaptive re-use, gentrification and historic preservation.
Similarly, papers are invited that address such related and
relevant topics as green space in cities, infrastructure,
technology, environmentalism and sustainability, brown-site
rehabilitation, climate change, exurban growth, public transportation,
universal design, street furnishings and disaster preparedness.
It is the purpose of this conference to examine both the historical
and contemporary cultures and contours of urban experience
and the status and promise of the post-millennial, post-industrial
urban fabric. What is our future?
Conference Streams
Mass Media
Sustainability
Transportation and Movement
Technology
Infrastructure
Policy
Full details on conference registration
coming next week! Check the DX website for details.
Sponsorship
opportunities available – contact Samantha
Sannella, President and CEO, 416.216.2145
York
University announces
an adjunct conference to Ourpias. Call for
Paper Presentations
Abstracts due: April 13, 2007
The First Canadian
National Conference on Graduate Education in Design
Theme: Challenges and opportunities in a Changing World
June 13-14, 2007 - Presented in conjunction with The DX National
Design Conference
June 14-16, 2007 - More information: www.dx.org/conference
Questions? Email: dgrad@yorku.ca
DX
TOURS AND WORKSHOPS
Bring your classroom to the DX! Guided tours
by professional educators are available to groups.
In addition to a tour of DX exhibition
spaces, these tours include a historical overview of the architecturally
significant Stock Exchange building, as well as the areas
renovated by KPMB, including the Resource Centre and Chalmers
Design Centre.When available, the stunning historical trading
floor is also included in the tour. This space is a stellar
example of Art Deco and Streamlined Modern Design. Tours last
approximately one hour. To supplement the information presented
in the tours, workshops are available to provide an interactive
experience which allows students to further explore exhibition
themes. Email: education@dx.org
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Sold
Out! SPRING BREAK CAMPS
Conveniently located in the former Toronto
Stock Exchange building at the foot of Bay Street, the
Design Exchange offers camp activities for Young Designers
ages 7 to 12.
In conjunction with the Design Exchange
exhibition Japanese Design Today 100, Young Designers
will experience both traditional and contemporary Japanese
design. Each day of the DX March Break Camp will explore
a different aspect of Japanese culture. From examining
vintage Japanese kimonos to rolling your own sushi,
Young Designers will see, learn, and experience one
of the most exciting and innovative design cultures
in the world.
For more information: education@dx.org
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DESIGN
DRIVES THE ECONOMY AND CREATES A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
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Canada
in the Making
This exhibition features
the DX Permanent Collection, and showcases the most
important Canadian developments in modern design history.
Free Admission.
Supported by the Peter Munk Charitable
Foundation
and the McLean Foundation. |
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Japanese
Design Today
February 8 – April 29
Hours
of DX exhibition hall:
Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Weekends 12pm - 5pm
Admission: $5 for adults/$4 for students or seniors/Members
are free
This international traveling exhibition
consists of approximately 100 of the
finest examples of Japanese design created between the
1990s and today. The
exhibition focuses on products used in everyday life
and gives a vivid
picture of the hopes and dreams of the Japanese designers
and corporations
who create them. Visitors will learn about recent trends
and characteristics
of Japanese design, and will gain insight into the nature
of contemporary
Japanese culture. Thirteen objects of modern design
are included from the
early postwar years to show the origin of today’s
design. Among the designs
are the Akari Lamp by Isamu Noguchi, the Butterfly Stool
by Sori Yanagi,
A-POC clothing by Issey Miyake, Silent Violin by Masaharu
Ohno and the AIBO
Entertainment Robot by Hajime Sorayama.
Co-presented
with The Japan Foundation.
Presenting sponsor:
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Universal
Design and Orphan Spaces
This exhibit showcases results
of four workshops and charrettes that explored universal design
principles within an urban context, with a focus
on spaces for kids. The four sections include a presentation
of Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital's atrium space through the
eyes of young adult clients, curated by David Theodore; design
team concepts for a proposed parkette south of Bloorview Kids
Rehab and the CNIB headquarters in Toronto; an exploration
of six priority neighborhoods in Toronto with teams of designers
and young adult participants proposing design solutions for
their neighbourhoods; and results of a four-day charrette
with Toronto-Chicago student teams from planning, architecture
and landscape design, proposing solutions for Garfield Park,
Chicago, inspired by the Massive Change project by Bruce Mau
Design and the Institute Without Boundaries.
Welcome
New Members!
We love our corporate, individual
and family members. Becoming a member of the Design Exchange
gives you special privileges such as discounts, networking
events and free admission.
Most of all, your support helps us create and host our education
programs. If you read EXPRESS, but have not become a member
- what's stopping you?
Please email Rosa to discuss your ideas for the DX and to
join our community.
Is your company a corporate
member? We have great corporate benefits. This is your chance
to promote your product or service. Email Rosa at membership@dx.org
to find out more.
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ATTENTION
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!
The DX wants your participation.
The
DX National High School Competition
invites students from across Canada to submit entries
in the category of their choice.
DEADLINE: MARCH 30, 2007.
For
information visit National
High School Competition.
Presenting Sponsor
ATTENTION
POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS!
Win Big Cash Prizes.
You could win cash bursaries
of up to $5,000! There are design challenges from Canadian
Tire, Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation and CMHC.
DEADLINE MARCH 30, 2007. For full details on
the competitions visit CONNECT
online.
Keep your eye on DX
Education Online for all of the details on our many
Education Programs! |
Friday
Night, May 25th
Kick-Off
Doors Open
at the DX
Petcha
Kutcha Toronto
Petcha Kutcha means Chit Chat in Japanese and Toronto
will have the first ever Petcha Kutcha night in Canada.
The evening will host architects
and designers featured in the book, Design City Toronto
by Sean Stanwick and Jennifer Flores.
See Jack Diamond, Caroline
Robbie, Terry Montgomery, Johnson Chou, John Tong, Allessendro
Munge and many more. They will present their work featured
in the book and we may be in for some other surprises
as well!
Stay
Tuned for More Info!
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CONGRATULATIONS
Nathan Phillips Square - Competition
Winners
Plant
Architects and Shore Tilbe Irwin
The Competition Jury for the Nathan
Phillips Square Competition announced the selection
of Plant Architect Inc. and Shore Tilbe Irwin, Toronto
as the winning team in the international design competition
to revitalize the City's most imporatnat public space.
The Plant Architect Inc.and Shore Tilbe Irwin design
best fufills the guiding principles and design opportunities
for Nathan Phillips Square as set out in the competition
brief," said Eric Haldenby, Chair of the competition
Jury. "The team has imaginatively re-invented elements
of the Square, enhanced the experience of the public
realm and integrated exemplary new sustainable design
approaches.
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Designs by: Onedge Lounge by Brothers Dressler, Cascade
by Lily Yung Textiles and Gator by Furni.
CALL
FOR PARTICIPATION
Consider participating
in the New Design Canada Program. Opportunities include
a showcase in ICFF in New York.
The deadline for submission
for exhibiting at the International Contemporary Furniture
Fair in New York is March 15, 2007. The DX is seeking
innovative, emerging, export ready Canadian Designers
to showcase products. Consider submitting your furniture,
houseware, lighting and accessory designs. Contact
Paola at paola@dx.org for consideration.
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YOUR
BEST EVENT IS AT THE DX!
The
DX is a non-profit with a mission to promote Canadian
Design.
All proceeds from your Events go to support Education
Programs.
We
have a great professional events team that can produce
product launches, press events, AGMs, client appreciation
events, social gatherings and even DX weddings.
PLAN
YOUR AGM NOW
Are you planning your
annual general meeting for spring 2007.
Why not consider the Design Exchange? The DX features
the original TSE Trading Floor, a spectacular art modern
space featuring Charles Comfort's murals heralding the
economic drivers of the 1930s. The DX is a splendid
space for such meetings, large enough to accommodate
several hundred stakeholders. We offer in-house audio
visual services for every need and to ensure that your
presentation has maximum impact. Our Meeting & Event
Services would be happy to assist you, so please do
not hesitate to contact us at: 416-216-2140 or email
Meeting & Event Services.
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VOLUNEERS
NEEDED
In 2011, the Central Neigborhood
House agency will officially celebrate 100 years of helping
the community. Since 1911, Central Neighbourhood House (CNH)
has been providing essential services to young people, seniors,
new Canadians and all members of the downtown east community.
CNH provides spaces, services and opportunities that engage
all community members in enhancing their quality of life and
in building healthy, inclusive neighbourhoods.
In honour of this incredible
milestone, they have launched our ambitious “One Hundred
Year Fund” with a goal of raising $1,000,000!
An important part of their campaign
is their Donor Recognition Wall and they are currently looking
for designers and artists to submit creative ideas for recognizing
their amazing donors. The campaign is centred on our philosophy
of “Neighbours Helping Neighbours”.
They welcome interested designers
to visit the facility, meet the staff and get a general sense
of who they are and what they do. They are a registered Canadian
charity and will be offering an honourarium. The designer’s
name will be prominently displayed in the lobby as well as
included on all of their print, web and media materials.
For more information please contact
Susan Ball at 416-925-4363 ext. 117 or sball@cnh.on.ca.
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DO
YOU NEED A RENOVATION INTERVENTION?
Are you or anyone you know trapped in a house not
suited to your ever-changing family - making everyone
nuts? We want you and your family to scream SAVE
US FROM OUR HOUSE!
Applications are being taken now for this all-Canadian
hit relationship-reno-reality TV series on W NETWORK,
brokering peace between families and their homes.
Relationship Strategist Hina Khan and Contractor Dylan
Marcel, along with their expert DX design teams tackle
the emotional and physical issues in your home, breaking
down the walls tearing your family apart, and forever
transforming your home-life with innovative and custom-made
solutions.
We're looking for exuberant,
outgoing, outspoken and frustrated couples & families
of all sorts living in the Greater Toronto Area who
are struggling in the hell that has become of their
happy home!
Families like yours with conflicts arising from or
made worse by their homes are presently being considered
for season 3. If you have a home environment causing
you to scream
SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE, tell
us your story.
saveusfromourhouse@gmail.com
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COLLECTION
NEWS
The DX is seeking Clairtone
items, documents, photos, films and archives.
If you have Clairtone objects that you are willing share with
the DX for an upcoming Clairtone book and exhibit, please
contact Samantha at sam@dx.org.
COMMUNITY
NEWS
The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and
Design at U of T is hosting lectures on March 20th, March
27th and April 3rd. www.ald.utoronto.ca for more information.
Mobile
Nation: Creating Methodologies for Mobile Platforms, March
22 - 25, 2007, The Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto,
Canada. http://www.mobilenation.ca. Call for Conference Posters
& Participation
If you have news and want to contribute to
EXPRESS, please email sam@dx.org for consideration.
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! So visit the
DX Volunteer Program and find out how to register
- or send your information to
Volunteer Coordinator Daniela Mason.
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. If you have products that you would like to showcase,
we can help each other! We are always looking to update our
areas with the newest products - carpeting, flooring, paint,
lighting, equipment, furniture, signage, etc. 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 call Samantha Sannella @ 416.216.2145.
JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
Industrial Designer at Accenta.
Requirements: Bachelor or Diploma in Industrial Design, 3
Years Working Experience, Excellent written English, French
an asset, Specializing in Retail Furniture, POP, Displays,
Merchandisers, Kiosks and Exhibits. Email nm@accenta.com.
Interior designers needed
for the Save Us From Your House television program. Must be
energetic, hardworking and resourceful! Email: saveusfromourhouse@gmail.com
THE
DX
PET PEEVE!
The Pet Peeve
is a monthly blurb about environments, objects or
experiences
that really need a
major design overhaul.
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CALLING
FOR A SHOE REVOLUTION
This month's Pet Peeve is women's
shoes. First of all, history aside,
and all things being equal in 2007- why are women paying
hard earned cash to squeeze their feet into shoes perched
on skinny little pegs? If form follows function, then
the health of the foot should be considered first and
foremost. High heels, platforms and super flat improperly
designed shoes are the cause of numerous health related
issues including strains to the achilles tendon and
the back of the leg, twisted ankles, bunions, fractures/breaks
to the lower leg and foot, sprains, Plantar Fasciitis,
etc.
Yet, women crave heels, platforms, and
cute little flip flops. Shoes with no support for the
arch of the foot line the shelves of quality shoe stores.
Jimmy Choo is practically a household word and flip
flops were all the fashion rage last year. Prices are
steep and extend into the thousands of dollars, yet
women go into debt (and suffer) for shoes that are beautiful
but bad for the health of the foot.
Can shoes that promote the health of
the foot be beautiful? Half hearted attempts lie in
stores such as Feet First, Walking on a Cloud, Naturalizer,
and Nature's Own. It seems that the following are the
rules for the design of shoes.
Comfortable Shoes = Ugly, Plain, and
Choice of Brown or Black
Beautiful Shoes = High Heels, Decorative,
and Array of Colours (that reflect the season!)
One can visit the Toronto Bata Shoe
Museum for a stunning display of the history of shoes
and their relationship to the culture of the time. But
in 2007 - when most women work, frantically rush to
and fro, and have no spare time for tired aching feet
- why do we continue to torture ourselves?
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The
Design Exchange gratefully acknowleges the City of Toronto
as a key partner.
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