DESIGNwith is a community-based, creative collective. Using a participatory design approach it works toward social innovation and the creation of strategies for the circular economy. DESIGNwith partnered with Cadillac Fairview and OCAD University creating an incubator lab to transform communities by bringing Corporations, Academia, and the Community together through design-led research and programming. Located on the second level of CF Toronto Eaton Centre, DESIGNwith’s incubator lab seeks to democratize the creation of objects through knowledge and skill sharing. 

Using the work of Enzo Mari and the Ishinomaki Laboratory as a departure point, DESIGNwith’s furniture collection is designed for easy assembly using readily available materials, tools, and fasteners. This results in a high degree of modularity and disassembly furthering its participation in the circular economy.

DESIGNwith is exhibiting a furniture collection designed by Lee Fletcher, Ranee Lee, Ernesto Ramirez and Katya Koroscil along with other furniture pieces submitted by designers in the community to answer the same question: How do we democratize the creation of furniture pieces using accessible materials and methods of fabrication? Through a thoughtful participatory design installation by Frontier, the public is further invited to participate in the exhibition. All are welcome.

Tabletop place setting on display are ‘One Lovely Hour’ plates by Ranee Lee and Amanda Huynh.