CSI Design Common

We're opening a new workspace at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex for people working at the intersection of design and social change.

A Space to Build and Collaborate  

Individual designers and practitioners have access to a bright open work space with desks, shared drafting and work tables, and our very own prototyping workshop space.  Housed in the Centre for Social Innovation Annex at 720 Bathurst Street, members will have access to CSI’s meeting rooms, printers, copiers, fax machine and kitchen facilities - plus participation in Toronto’s most dynamic community of change-makers.

Beyond Space

Our new space aims to ignite, support and promote design as a tool for social innovation. The cross-pollination of disciplines and ideas will fuel an on-going dialogue on design, social entrepreneurship, and inter-disciplinary collaboration.   

This is an opportunity to become a part of a vibrant new community exploring new ways of thinking and of working beyond traditional boundaries of design.

Access and Costs

There are three options for membership:

Full-time members pay $365/month for 24/7 access to the space and their own dedicated desks.

Part-time members pay:

• $250/month for 100 hours of access to the space
• $200/month for 60 hours of access to the space

Are we right for each other?

This new space is not a fit for everyone. Applicants should be engaged in innovative design in their respective fields, and interested in establishing their independent practices in a space with like-minded creators. We love designers of all kinds - but this space will focus specifically on people who are pushing the boundaries of their disciplines and who are actively using design thinking to invent new solutions to social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges.

Members will be expected to play an active role in the programming of the space, including participation in community-based collaborative projects that explore the application of design thinking to problem solving in the social sector. Yes, this is a place for you to conduct your work and to benefit from others’ insights; but it is also a place where you will help shape the programming vision and model.

A Work in Process

A first round of members have started working together in the studio and are active in developing every part of the project from visioning to branding to programming.  Come join us at the table to share your voice and your insight as we bring our vision into sharper focus.
 
Ready to Apply?

To apply for space, complete the form here: http://community.socialinnovation.ca/apply/design

You are also welcome to share your comments or questions by sending an email to  design@socialinnovation.ca.