Edmonton Design Week examines how we build the world

Design is everywhere — to the point that we may take it for granted. But not during the "method"-themed Edmonton Design Week, where the who and how of the built world go under the Media Architecture and Design Edmonton microscope. Many events are free to attend, such as the Edmonton City as Museum Project's Sensing the City exhibition. Design Week technically ends on Oct. 18, but ECAMP's exhibit runs until Halloween at the Stanley A. Milner branch of Edmonton Public Library. The installation uses all five senses to tell Edmonton stories: "Explore lost waterways, discover stories of Chinese market gardens and hand laundries, listen to local music history, handle pieces of Edmonton's past, and connect with the city in a whole new way," a description reads.

Several Design Week events are concentrated around the Milner, including ones at City Hall. The Student Design Association's Form & Future exhibition exemplifies the method theme, highlighting the "evolution of ideas, processes, and practices" within industrial design, visual communication design, and more. It's on until Oct. 18, the same window during which attendees can take expert-led tours of Edmonton's fourth City Hall. Oct. 15 features the Edmonton Arts Council's public art director, David Turnbull; Oct. 16 features City Hall architect Gene Dub; and Oct. 18 features former city councillor and queer rights leader Michael Phair.

Beyond the Churchill Square area, emerging designers are exhibiting at Made by Young Bloods in The Cobalt at 10146 123 Street NW. The show includes a demo of a civilian-made Edmonton Transit Service route-planning app by MJ Metrunec; a zine celebrating heavy American band Not Enough Space by Ayanna Fata; a proposed inclusive design for MacEwan University classrooms by Jasemeen Nona; and more. The Cobalt isn't far from LightForm, the host of Edmonton Design Week's closing party on Oct. 17. Expect immersive lighting, conversation, and beverages. Ticket buyers will also be entered to win a VIP pass for Edmonton Design Week 2027.