DesignTO’s ninth annual symposium brings together eight multidisciplinary experts to explore the complexities of dematerialization in an increasingly digital world. Speakers include Lynne Heller, Austin Houldsworth, Alex Yueyan Li, Neo-Futuristic Walks, Joel Ong, Justin Kyung In Park, Skawennati, and Ruby Thelot, covering such topics as the future of digital artifacts, the ecological impact of computation, spaces for Indigenous self-determination, walking as an immaterial urban practice, material representation in digital environments, and more.

The free symposium runs online over two days: Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 6-8 PM EST each day.

This symposium invites designers and thinkers to explore the complexities of dematerialization: both its benefits and drawbacks. How do we mitigate the ecological impacts of computation? What is lost or gained in a move toward immateriality? What is the capacity for digital technologies to represent personal identity or create space for self-determination? What does equitable access look like in a dematerialized future? How can speculative design help us understand and address the climate crisis?

‘DesignTO Talks: Dematerialized’ is organized by DesignTO, and supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Government of Ontario, Teknion and EQ Bank, with media partner AZURE Magazine.