Now in its second year, the Monogram Dinner by Design Presented by Caesarstone took place January 19 to 24 at the Design Exchange. The event, which benefited Casey House and Design Exchange, showcased interactive dining installations from 12 architecture and interior design firms. Each designer was given free rein over his or her installation; the only directive was that each dining area seat 10 guests. Here's a look at the event's fresh, clean design schemes, which can lend inspiration to sit-down dinners.
Design Agency built a whimsical setting filled with neon lights and mirrors. The goal of the installation, according to a company rep, was to let diners "experience many other angles of each other."
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Ashley Botten of Ashley Botten Design used materials that may traditionally clash in a setting meant to explore how objects become connected.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
The setting from architecture and interior design firm Bortolotto let guests feel as if they were dining in a construction site overlooking the city's skyline.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
The setting from Parker Barrow was inspired by the futuristic film Blade Runner. The installation contained a variety of textures, including wood, glass, and leather.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Designer Guido Constantino's design was meant to feel "distilled, quiet, and skeletal." Window blinds surrounding the installation evoked skin encapsulating the experience.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
The team from Gensler aimed to create a minimal, futuristic dining experience. The installation contained a black-and-white color scheme, lights, and lots of empty space.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Commute Design used its instillation to showcase the beauty of handmade objects. The setting featured a hand-scraped dining table, and there were rules of Victorian dining laser-cut into the installation.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Designer Joel Loblaw brought elements of the outdoors inside. Inspired by childhood memories of camping or visiting a rustic cabin, the installation contained firewood, enamelware camping plates, and peat moss.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
The goal of ArchitectsAlliance setting was to demonstrate that design can "express a profound sense of connection." With white curtains surrounding a white table and bench, the installation held at its center a clear bowl filled with statements written on neon paper.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Paying homage to French architect and designer Jean Prouvé, design firm Vitra surrounded its setting with wire-metal framework. The table was decked with with pops of green foliage.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
Designer Jenny Francis created a homey setting inspired by memories shared with her by family and friends. Francis is an architect and designer who works on homes, offices, boutique hotels, restaurants, and more.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
The architects from Moriyama & Theshima wanted to recreate the "sensual, elemental, essential" feeling of dining in the rain. The designers surrounded their table with clear beads, and topped the structure with an awning that resembled a rain shelter. Seating was clean, linear, and white.
Photo: Ryan Emberley
