The second edition of the Design Montréal Open House came to a close on May 4, 2008, capping two days devoted to meetings between members of the public and Montréal designers and architects, as well as visits to inspiring locations all over the city. Over 11,000 visits were recorded during this impressive celebration of design, as the public had occasion to visit, free of charge, more than 70 Montréal agencies, projects and sites devoted to design.

Created in response to Montréal’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design, the Design Montréal Open House event represented a singular opportunity to discover the men and women who devote their talents and creativity to enhancing Montréalers’ living spaces. Over the course of the two-day event, visitors had the chance to meet the originators of Montréal-based projects that have been honoured by national and international architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, fashion design and urban planning competitions.
In their workplaces, designers proudly displayed their most recent achievements. Giant-screen projections, 3D models, guided activities and visits, as well as interactive tools were among the many means used to help visitors better understand the work of designers and demystify their perceptions of design, in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere conducive to exchanges and discussions.

This year’s Open House featured two new activities: the presentation of exhibitions by graduating classes in the various university disciplines related to design and architecture, and a Pecha Kucha night dedicated to emerging design practices. Both events allowed the public to become acquainted with the immense talent, daring and ingenuity of the next generation of Montréal designers.