Design : Featured Stories

Toronto's Mini Maker Faire is on the bleeding edge of technological (and mechanical) innovation, a great blend of geekery, DIY work ethic, and future thinking. It's here that our relationship with technology is being tested, and the next great invention may be making its debut.

Toronto's architectural design firms beat their competition by ensuring they have no competitors and by tapping into the diverse and talented pool of designers and artists that live here. You might even be surprised where some of our firms have been working.

Toronto's Imperial Oil Building on St. Clair is being converted into The Imperial Plaza, a residential condo project that is preserving much of the mid-century design and art elements of this iconic building. Read about what's coming and see Yonge Street photographer Tanja-Tiziana's slideshow of some of the details that are being preserved, and the last vestiges of its office days.

Home building and renovations don't have to have a big human and ecological footprint. Kay Valley channels her creativity and passion for human rights and the environment into The Zero Point, her design centre and building supply store on Queen Street East.

As our population ages and the rights of disabled people are getting more attention, OCAD University has started a new Master program in inclusive design to create a brain trust of people skilled in accessible technologies from many sectors.

The development industry hates it. The government doesn't want it. But inclusionary zoning is an idea that's not going away. Academics, activists, and opposition politicians like Adam Vaughan still tout it as an important piece of Toronto's affordable housing solution.

Everything old is new again at Klaus on King Street East; from the business model to the designs, which blend international names with Toronto-made classics manufactured by Nienkamper, the family name that has become synonymous with timeless quality. They'll be part of the Interior Design Show opening on Thursday.

Along the new TTC St. Clair streetcar line, a public art project with 24 new works is providing both wayfinding tools for riders and moments of wonder for the neighbourhood residents along the way.

Peter Milczyn, Toronto's new Development and Planning Committee chair, says: it's alright for kids to grow up in high rises; the city can be more dense; we can have great architecture and great public spaces; and our development fee structure can be changed to encourage all of this.

Rang Home Decor and Nucreation on Gerrard Street are two thriving family-owned businesses whose stories are told in the former Mayor of Toronto's new book that explores the city he led for seven years.

The Canadian Film Centre Media Lab has been exploring the cutting edge of interactive storytelling through its multi-disciplinary program called the Telus Interactive Art and Design Program. With a recent move to MaRS, they are starting to incubate companies and find ways to make money through art and expression.

The BizStart entrepreneur training program helps young creative types root their ideas in a business-minded reality as they start their first companies and venture into the world of self-employment.

When it comes to advocating for more and safer cycling in Toronto, Janet Attard prefers the soft sell of her bicycle art. Apart from making her a living, her art has helped change the perception of bikes in the city.

Beyond 3:30, an after school program introducing preteens to architecture and art, turns schools into community hubs and hopes to get a whole new generation of kids thinking about architecture as a career, especially young women.

Head Gear Animation are known for their ground-breaking work that mix up a variety of different animation techniques. Their latest venture is the first 3D commercial in Canada and its production required pioneering a new stereoscopic technique.