The global success of ARCHITECT@WORK since its launch in 2003 has a lot to do with its elegantly designed show floor, where exhibitor booths are grouped and surrounded in black curtains, rather than walls. The groupings make it easy for visitors to take in every display, with communal areas built into the layout to encourage architects, designers and specifiers to spend time drilling into the finer details of what is on display. Typically, trade show aisles are left empty. Here, they are transformed into lounge zones for casual meet-ups and to enjoy complimentary catering while wandering through various exhibitions, installations and pop-up shops.
Initially conceived by C4-Creative Fo(u)r of Belgium, the idea was to create a trade fair for architects and designed by architects, where networking happens in a relaxing and artful environment. Its uniqueness has made ARCHITECT@WORK one of the most respected trade shows of its kind. With editions in 14 European countries, Toronto is its first foray into North America. Now in its fourth edition, it has become a highly anticipated annual event for the Canadian A+D community.