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  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

Event Design Rebels 2018: Roland Rom Colthoff

The founder of Toronto-based architectural and design studio RAW specializes in immersive outdoor installations.

Michele Laufik
June 12, 2018

Principal Roland Rom Colthoff founded RAW (@rawdesignto) in late 2007 “to have a working culture that matched my personal and professional goals and to realize the full potential of my design vision,” he explains. In addition to designing many of Toronto’s prominent structures, including the award-winning flagship BMW showroom, the architectural and design studio also boasts an impressive installation portfolio, having contributed to many citywide events like DX Intersection and EDIT: Expo for Design, Innovation & Technology, as well as founding the annual Winterstations Installation Art project.

On his approach to design: “I think our unique focus is on the participant and their interaction with the installation. We don’t care much for the singular or observed object—we want you to go in and touch it or be immersed in it.”

Back to the Event Design Rebels list

Open the 2018 Design Issue

RAW’s temporary immersive public art installation called Prismatica comprises pivoting prisms, which create over­lapping transparencies, patterns, and reflections on their surroundings. Visitors are able to turn the giant prisms like a giant kaleidoscope. Prismatica debuted at the Luminothérapie Competition in Montreal in 2014, and has traveled to Washington, Chicago, Ottawa, and Calgary.
RAW’s temporary immersive public art installation called Prismatica comprises pivoting prisms, which create over­lapping transparencies, patterns, and reflections on their surroundings. Visitors are able to turn the giant prisms like a giant kaleidoscope. Prismatica debuted at the Luminothérapie Competition in Montreal in 2014, and has traveled to Washington, Chicago, Ottawa, and Calgary.
Photo: James Brittain
Roland Rom Colthoff
Roland Rom Colthoff
Photo: Courtesy of RAW
RAW founded the annual Winterstations project to showcase young designers and also as a way to incorporate the beach into a cultural activity during the Toronto winters.
RAW founded the annual Winterstations project to showcase young designers and also as a way to incorporate the beach into a cultural activity during the Toronto winters.
Photo: Courtesy of RAW
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