Creativity and persistence can really make a difference in our world! Recently, I was thrilled to learn of a new Canadian product: the ZENN Car made in St. Jerome, Quebec. ZENN stands for Zero Emissions and No Noise. This fully electric car plugs into a standard outlet and has just been approved for sale in Canada. The company, led by a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (Photography) is hoping to receive approval in all the provinces shortly. The car, offered in three colors and two models (with limited accessories) is cute, costs up to 10 times less to operate than a 'normal vehicle' and is guilt-free. While our government pours money into our branch plant automotive companies - I would suggest investing in ZENN - already sold around the world. Check out their website: http://www.zenncars.com. Note to Zenn leaders: I would like one in pink.

Samantha Sannella

Chinese Design. Everyday.
February 8 – April 13

This unique exhibit introduces visitors to the world of Chinese Design by focusing on contemporary design work. The exhibit traces the development of modern Chinese Design with the support of artifacts selected from the late Qing and Cold-War periods to the current era (1908-2008).

Visitors will be introduced to an extensive graphic history along with numerous artifacts from the contemporary era in the context of everyday life. A marriage of the millennia-old Chinese cultural heritage and the most current Western and international trends will be examined through a display of contemporary design objects, traditional household items like package design and dinnerware, Mahjong table, fashion and the latest in lap-top computers.

Opening Reception
Hong Kong: Gateway to China
February 8th at 6pm
Cocktail reception sponsored by Hong Kong Economic Trade Office

Curatorial Lecture
February 21st, at noon

Designers in the Classroom Exhibition
January 7th – March 2nd, 2008
Supported by Ontario Arts Council and TD Financial Group

Inspiring the next generation of Canadian designers, Darren Finlay, Kevin Karst, Saskia Wassing-Shepherd, and Bruno Weber have worked with teachers at four Ontario schools to give students a real sense of the importance of design, as well as the design process.

The culmination of this six-week program is an exhibition of the student work at the Design Exchange. For more information on the exhibition or the program, please contact our Youth Education team at 416.216.2138 or education@dx.org.

Klockwerks
December 1 – March 2
Design Exchange launches a series of exhibits exploring design enterprises that recycle materials in distinct ways.

Klockwerks: Shifting Gears, exhibits the work of Roger Wood an artist who meticulously assembles clocks out of myriad pieces, remnants, and parts of objects made obsolete by time.
Admission is free.

March Break Camp
March 10 - 14

Dragons, lions and kites feature prominently in this five-day camp, which will look at contemporary Chinese design. Projects will include paper kites and lanterns, a group lion dance challenge and a special guest to teach participants the game of Mahjong, followed by the design of participant’s own board games.

Suitable for boys and girls aged 7-11, this camp will take inspiration from current Chinese Canadian designers, as well as from our exhibit, Chinese Design Everyday. Participants will explore architecture, industrial and graphic design through group and individual projects directed by experienced leaders and guests from the design community.

For more information, please contact Katie Weber at 416.216.2138 or katie@dx.org.
Click here for Registration Form

DX Business Forum
March 4 2008

Design Exchange launches the DX Business Forum: Integrating the Design Process. Manufacturers, designers, and business managers will come together to discuss and share step-by-step processes that boost innovation in Canadian enterprises. This forum will focus on the integration of innovation in business plans and supply chains and team management.

Keynote Presentation
Product Design and Development: Presentation of findings
Francesco Del Bianco and Eric Madueno, Industry Canada

Visit www.dx.org for more information and full schedule of events
Click here for registration form

For registration information contact Catherine at 416.216.2120 or Catherine@dx.org

digifest

March 28 – Harbourfront Centre
March 29 – Design Exchange
March 30 – Ontario Science Centre

DX forum keynote speakers include Thomas Homer-Dixon, author of The Upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization, artist A.A. Bronson and CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation, Peter Robinson.

This year’s digifest examines catastrophe and its aftermath – a mix of powerlessness and opportunity. Water’s EDGE is made up of performances at Harbourfront, a one-day forum at the DX curated by Robin Uchida, and workshops at the Ontario Science Centre, all dedicated to unraveling these tensions toward a better understanding of how catastrophe touches each of our lives.

Visit www.dx.org

NEWS

Could your company benefit from a boost in creativity?
Professional Development Workshops at the DX

http://www.dx.org/education/workshops.html

DX At GTAA
In partnership with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), DX presents an exhibition of quirky, colourful, mid-century radios alongside a survey of contemporary, high profile Canadian designers and their work. You can visit the show in the Skylights Exhibits area of Toronto Pearson International Airport (November 23, 2007 – February 18, 2008).

http://www.gtaa.com/local/files/en/Travellers/Art/CanadaInTheMaking.pdf

SHOP DX NOW OPEN
Need a gift for a client, employee or mother-in-law? Show your support for the Canadian design industry by shopping at our kiosk in the DX lobby. The DX staff has selected a small collection of lovely items designed by local talent.

DX Welcomes Eventscape!

Eventscape Inc. We create landmarks. Powerful and memorable. We’re known globally as a designer and manufacturer of top quality, custom framed structures clad in any material. Designers use our creations to make landmarks of custom ceilings, columns, walls, and infinite special features—for architectural, retail, hospitality, exhibit, and event applications worldwide. Our services include ideation, design, engineering, fabrication, project management, shipping and installation.

DX Welcomes Humanscale!

Humanscale is the leading manufacturer of ergonomic products for the office. Our award-winning solutions — including seating, keyboard supports, monitor arms, task lighting and more — create safe and comfortable work environments for computer users, minimizing the risk of discomfort and injury. Our exceptional products are based on the belief that if a design solves a problem as simply and elegantly as possible, the resulting form will be honest and timeless.

DX Welcomes the Italian Chamber Of Commerce Of Toronto

The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Toronto’s mission is to promote economic and cultural synergies worldwide
– between business, government and individuals, with special emphasis on Italy, Ontario and the GTA.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Toronto is located at 80 Richmond Street West, Suite 1502,Toronto.
Tel:416-789-7169 Fax: 416-789-7160

www.italchambers.ca

Cimetrix News

Dimension On Tour presented by Cimetrix
Functional 3D plastic models, created on a Dimension, enable the designer and all others on the design team to make better informed design decisions resulting in fewer design changes, innovative products, lower production costs and shorter time to market. Discover why Dimension is the #1 choice for affordable in-house rapid prototyping worldwide. Join us for a complimentary breakfast seminar in one of the following cities: Cambridge, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sudbury Toronto.

INSCAPE NEWS

Inscape announces the introduction of the 7900 Series, a highly cost-effective family of filing and storage products featuring the quality and design execution that customers have come to trust from Office Specialty. 7900 Series features laterals, pedestals, towers, credenzas and overhead storage available in a choice of 60 colors, 9 different heights and 3 standard widths. The storage is built with the added functionality of 1.5” vertical increments and integrates seamlessly with any office environment or furniture system. 7900 Series has been included in 20-20 software library, with an order acceptance date of February 1st, 2008.

INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW/IDS 08:
Celebrating 10 Years of Design in Canada
February 21 to 24. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

IDS 08 features British Design Icon Tom Dixon, Belgian Designer/Artist, Arne Quinze, NY-based Dutch Architect Winka Dubbeldam of Archi-tectonics, and NY designer Larry Laslo. New exhibits: COLLABORATIONS featuring Giannone Architects, Johnson Chou, KPMB Architects and Teeple Architects; 10 Innovative Canadian Designers; Design Unlimited: posters designed by 10 uber-designers and starchitects including Marcel Wanders, Piero Lissoni and Karim Rashid in support of Doctors without Borders…plus 300 exhibitors with inspiring design and architectural products…www.interiordesignshow.com.

Job Opportunities
Ryerson University
Tenure-Track Position
Fashion Design and Fashion Communication
http://www.dx.org/whats_on/community.html

Feature Factory Design / Build
Experienced Architectural Designers and Project Managers

Feature Factory Design / Build, an award-winning Toronto-based ultra-custom architectural fabricator is continuing to expand its design and project management departments. Recent work-load includes challenging projects in the US, Asia and Canada. More information can be found at www.fefa.com full job description is available on the DX Careers in Design page:

http://www.dx.org/whats_on/community.html

Please send a resume with images, drawing and document samples to: careers@fefa.com Please do not call or send faxes.

Douglas Design Studio
Intermediate/Senior interior designer
Seeking an interior designer with a good sense of humor who is looking to work for an upbeat, dynamic studio that creates unique and beautiful interiors for high-end homes. This position offers great potential for growth and development of your career. For more information please email us at info@douglasdesignstudio.com

Douglas Design Studio
Architectural Technologist
Douglas Design Studio has a position for an architectural technologist with a good sense of humor who is looking to work for an upbeat, dynamic studio that creates unique and beautiful interiors for high-end homes. Must be highly proficient in AutoCAD. For more information please email us at info@douglasdesignstudio.com

AyA Kitchens
AyA Kitchens is seeking Cabinet Designers/Sales Representatives to work in thier Mississauga and/or Vaughn showroom. AyA Kitchens and Baths is a manufacturer of high quality, frameless cabinetry. By combining old world craftsmanship and attention to detail with high tech manufacturing processes we are able to offer innovative, quality cabinetry at competitive, manufacturer direct prices. AyA's in house design professional's work with clients ranging from individual home owners to multi-national builders to create cabinetry solutions tailored to specific tastes and needs.

Visit our careers in design page for full details
http://www.dx.org/whats_on/community.html

Allsteel
Architect & Design Specialist
A & D Specialist works within the A & D community, in a geographically assigned area (and working within the Company policies and procedures). An A & D Specialist is responsible for developing/enhancing positive perceptions of and familiarity with our brand and our offerings; and providing consultative support (product application and process navigation) for project activities to A & D, end users and our internal team.
Visit the DX Careers in Design page for full details http://www.dx.org/whats_on/community.html

VOLUNTEER PROJECT AT DESIGN EXCHANGE
Have strong graphic and web skills? Looking for an opportunity to gain valuable work experience?
Why not make new contacts and help out our non-profit organization!
The DX is looking for two volunteers to help on a web-based project.
Please send your resume to the attention of Daniela.mason@dx.org if you are interested in lending a hand and building your portfolio!

New On The DX Website
POST YOUR JOBS ON-LINE WITH THE DX!

If you are looking for good designers or looking for a great place to work in the design industry, keep your eyes on “Careers in Design” on our website.
Postings run for one month at $150 and include a listing in this newsletter that includes a link. Contact Claudine with submissions at Claudine@dx.org or 416.216.2143

http://www.dx.org/whats_on/community.html

Pet Peeve: Plastic Bags

Illegal in several countries and cities, including San Francisco, California and Leaf Rapids, Canada (980 km northwest of Winnipeg) the plastic bag's usefulness is outweighed by its environmental destruction. Example: after a recent typhoon in Asia - thousands of plastic bags washed up on the shores. Littered around the world, the plastic bag can often be seen caught in the tree branches along the highways of Canada - and trapped by the brush along the edges of our lakes. I remember when plastic bags came into wide-spread use when I was about 10 years old. Paper or plastic? The cashier asked this question for several years - until a paper bag became a relic of the past. It's time that we give up this convenience in a quest to be a better society. Purchase a few of those re-usable bags with catchy phrases and be proud that you join others in banning the plastic bag.

Sam Sannella, President

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. 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 Claudine @ 416.216.2134.

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