Coffee – the universal beverage of early-risers, afternoon break-takers, and evening social butterflies everywhere – is an irresistible experience. The coffee break is ubiquitous, and for those seeking respite from everyday routine, it is a cherished ritual.

To capture and celebrate the daily experience, Design Exchange, Canada’s Design Museum, in partnership with Nespresso, is excited to announce Grand Cru/ation, a new design competition that invites emerging and established practitioners and creatives in all fields to rethink, rework, and re-imagine the traditional coffee break.

The Challenge

Grand Cru/ation invites designers, architects, engineers, artists, and all types of makers  from Ontario and Quebec to submit proposals for an aluminum structure that facilitates interaction during moments of rest, and incorporates a small recycling receptacle to encourage the recycling of Nespresso’s capsules. Designs should allow people to relax and enjoy their surroundings – whether sitting or standing. Submissions will be judged on their functionality, innovative use of aluminum, and aesthetic. The submissions should be carefully cruated to communicate freshness using recycled materials.

The Jury

Proposals will be juried by an esteemed panel of award-winning experts at the forefront of design and architecture in Ontario and Quebec. They include: architect Janna Levitt from Governor General’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Architecture recipient, LGA Architectural Partners; interior installation artist Pascale Girardin, who has created work for Paris’ Printemps stores and Four Seasons Hotel; designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, a global design leader with interior projects in Canada, the U.S., and China; Manon Asselin of Montreal’s atelier TAG, a former Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture winner; Brad Keast, Vice President of Development at Osmington Inc., the company overseeing the Union Station revitalization. Shauna Levy, President + CEO of Design Exchange and Sylvie Charette, Vice President Marketing and e-Business at Nespresso Canada will also be joining this notable roster.

The Award

Winning designs will be fabricated and unveiled at Toronto’s revitalized Union Station in Fall 2016 – serving as a landmark for conversation and connection among the comings and goings of people in the city’s downtown core. Following the Toronto exhibition, the winning project will be on view in Montreal in 2017.

The deadline for submissions is AUGUST 8.

For further competition details including registration and submission guidelines, visit dx.org/grandcruation.  

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About Nespresso

Nespresso is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned coffee. The Nespresso story began with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of coffee, just like a skilled barista. From its beginning 30 years ago, the Nespresso brand concept has redefined and revolutionised the way millions of people enjoy their coffee today, and it has shaped the global coffee culture. Nespresso is not just a coffee. It is a genuine experience that combines perfection and pleasure, simplicity and aesthetics. Its success is built on creating the highest quality Grand Cru coffees, long-lasting consumer relationships and sustainable business success. nestle-nespresso.com

About Design Exchange

Design Exchange, a not-for-profit museum funded by its members and donors, is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the pursuit of design excellence and preservation of design heritage. At the crossroads of multiple disciplines, from furniture and architecture to graphics and fashion, our exhibitions, talks, workshops, and youth education programs are curated to reflect the popular zeitgeist and contemporary culture while demonstrating the relevance and importance of design to everyday life. We are committed to delivering accessible design experiences and education and we aim to provide the tools necessary to connect design learning to the ordinary and extraordinary. dx.org

For more information and press inquires, please contact:  

Jacquelyn Folville

Community Coordinator

Design Exchange

[email protected]

416.464.7745

Nina Boccia

Director of Programs

Design Exchange

[email protected]

416.216.2160

Kate Gouron

National PR Manager
Nespresso Canada

[email protected]

514.602.1437