By Meghan Burger
Updated: May 9, 2022
By: Meghan Burger
Photos: Arash Moallemi
The show’s central theme, “New Futures,” played out through striking exhibits and stimulating conversations focused on four main topics: Building the Design Business, Climate Change and Social Responsibility, Technology and Innovation, and Big Ideas. Keynote speakers and panelists included architect Brigitte Shim of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, designers Dexter and Byron Peart, founders of GOODEE, and the International Guest of Honor, interior designer Alessandro Munge, founder and design director of Studio Munge.
In addition to lively conversations and
riveting talks, IDS Toronto debuted the show-stopping immersive installation, Neo Colosseo, designed by Alessandro Munge for luxury quartz brand Caesarstone. The installation featured Caesarstone's Pebbles Collection, "...a series of sustainable surfaces in a dynamic palette of warm, gray monochromes laced with softer hues that nurture" as detailed in IDS Toronto's description of the feature.
Another feature was the presentation of finalists from Prototype, a juried program featuring the next generation of designers. Presented by the Toronto International Design Center and IDS, Prototype showcases innovative products (not currently in production) that address new ideas for the residential market. Culminating in a group exhibit which gives each participant space to display their designs, this program supports and encourages the future of product design.
Didn't get a chance to visit this year? IDS Toronto will return on January 19-22, 2023 with all new programming which is sure to delight and inspire. Check out their main page for more information.