Recent graduate Jason van der Burg (MArch 2014) is heading to the Second Annual IIDEX Woodshop this week with a piece of furniture he originally designed at the Daniels Faculty as part of Instructor Andrew Jones’ elective course Intro to Furniture Design (ARC1014HF).

The event features 15 innovative wood prototypes that use wood from ash trees in Toronto, which are being destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer. “In Toronto alone, the Borer will bring down 200,000+ ash trees in the next 5 years,” reports IIDEX on its website. "IIDEX Woodshop aims to reduce the number of ash trees headed for the landfill by creating innovative, market-ready commercial and consumer prototypes.”

van der Burg redesigned his original prototype to meet the criteria for IIDEXCanada’s Woodshop competition, and won a spot at Canada’s National Design + Architecture Exposition & Conference, which runs from December 3-4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North, along with 14 other
designers.

His submission, called The Leaning Loop, is a handcrafted multi-purpose upright organizer that incorporates a coat rack, a shoe rack, a small “catch-all” shelf, and a custom insert panel that can be outfitted with a magnetic mirror, chalkboard, or whiteboard.

As described online, The Leaning Loop “is well suited to help organize one or two people and requires only a wall and gravity to do its part — no wall attachment is necessary. It has been carefully calculated and designed to lean perfectly on its own without losing balance; adding items like clothing actually helps make it more stable. Small bumpers at the back and bottom loop ensure scuff-free and unmarred surfaces while it fits neatly into condos, apartments, entry spaces, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices or studio work areas.”

IIDEXCanada is Canada's National Design and Architecture Exposition & Conference. The event brings together the multidisciplinary design and architecture communities for a sourcing, networking and education event that celebrates creativity and best practices. It embodies all areas of design including, interior design, architecture, lighting, healthcare, hospitality, institutional, education, workplace, landscape, retail, industrial, textile and material.

For more information on the Second Annual IIDEX Woodshop, visit:
http://www.iidexcanada.com/2014/features/iidex-woodshop-2014