RAW Design Party 2016 – RAW SHIFT

RAW Design Architecture Studio Party 2016 – RAW Shift

Toronto-based architecture studio RAW Design just celebrated their 9th annual party last Thursday, on June 23, 2016, and it was awesome! Every year RAW has a new theme and concept, from RAW ENERGY (2013), to RAW MATERIAL (2014), to RAW CANVAS (2015), and this year as RAW SHIFT. Taking place in Queen Street East’s empty storefront, this really cool event was encompassed with interactive architectural installations where attendees utilized the space as they wish. The theme represented how a built space changes and evolves over time. From constantly repositioning pieces of furniture throughout the night, having quite a selection of food, drinks, and desserts, a fusion of art, music, and entertainment provided by DJ Eric the Tutor, RAW delivered a fun night for guests to experience.

RAW Shift DJ Eric the Tutor

RAW Shift

RAW Shift

(scroll to the bottom for more photos)

RAW SHIFT displayed a TUBE FOREST where guests mazed through the venue with short and tall tubes, which purpose could be used as cruiser tables or seats. There was a CUBE MOUNTAIN, placed in a corner made of cardboard boxes where friends and colleagues can lounge. A place where people can change the aesthetic and mood of the party by moving furniture and changing the ambient lights, RAW SHIFT also brought a nice touch featuring panels hanging from the ceiling with projected pictures and videos on them. They too could be shifted across the room and change the space for partygoers, making it more spacious or intimate depending on each sections preference. Nothing in the party was static as the night progressed in a constant evolution of changing composition.

RAW Shift

CUBE MOUNTAIN

Speaking of change, this venue used to be a computer school and RAW transformed the vacant space from an empty storefront into an interactive architectural installation showcase for RAW SHIFT. A concept revitalizing an old space and repurposing into something new or building from scratch. A foundation architectures have to keep in mind is thinking about how to maximize the use of built space in the present while thinking about the future and how long it may last before it is repurposed again.

Created by one of the organizers of the annual public art design competition Winter Stations, the event inevitably brought together members of Toronto’s design and art communities to discuss urbanism, architecture, and how buildings evolve by adapting to crowds.

Guests were treated to some really tasty gelatos by DEATH in VENICE Gelato Co., handcrafted here in Toronto. We tried some of their new and exotic flavors like mustard with boozy pear and walnut, peanut butter with roasted croissant, and strawberry with juniper and Thai basil. They were delicious. Delectable bites created by Sublime Catering‘s head chef, Michael Tong included beef tartare and mung bean puffs. Drinks were provided by Flow Water, 13th Street Winery from Niagara, Trail Estate Winery from Prince Edward County, Espolon Tequila, and Five O’ Clock Fellowship, which served Muskoka Brewery‘s Detour, Kirby’s Kolsch, and Summerweiss beers.

RAW Shift

RAW Shift

RAW Shift

RAW Shift

Death in Venice Gelato Co.

RAW Shift

RAW Shift

RAW Shift DJ

(photos by Paul, click to enlarge)

We thank RAW Design for inviting us to this unique summer event and we are looking forward to what they offer in the future!