The Interior Design Show (IDS) Vancouver will return in September with a major new attraction: the Future Neighbourhood, a collaborative exhibit by four design teams examining how interior spaces will meet future demands. Scheduled for September 26–29, 2024, the event is one of the West Coast’s leading design gatherings, with installations designed to provoke discussions about design’s impact on everyday living. The show’s organizers have once again tapped into the imaginations of the creative community, and they have done it again with this project.
The showcase presents four unique visions, each targeting key issues in housing, environmental responsibility, and social connection. The first concept, Addapt from Leckie Studio, reimagines residences as adjustable units modeled after Japanese bento containers. Rather than rigid floor plans, the design provides three interchangeable layouts within a consistent 2,400-square-foot framework. Each 800-square-foot segment can form standalone dwellings or combine into larger homes, with reconfiguration possible as occupants’ needs evolve. The system’s ground-oriented modular approach ensures each unit maintains a cohesive aesthetic while adapting to changing household trends. The design prioritizes attainability by leveraging off-site manufacturing and flat-pack shipping, reducing construction timelines to as few as six months while maintaining a bespoke architectural feel.
A second project, Micro-hood by SvNMicro-Hood, addresses escalating construction costs and workforce shortages by proposing apartment complexes on individual lots. This approach defies conventional zoning while advocating for collective ownership through structures like Community Land Trusts, which ensure long-term affordability by separating land ownership from building assets. Their vision is to create apartment buildings on single lots, challenging conventional building norms and emphasizing community ownership.
Nature, AI, and Urban Harmony
The team behind Don’t Forget Me merges natural elements with digital innovation, envisioning interiors where forests become essential components of living areas. The installation examines humanity’s engagement with AI in design, positioning it as a means to restore connections to nature—especially in regions like the West Coast, where dense forests dominate the environment. The creators describe it as a conversation about how AI can create spaces that strengthen community ties rather than deepen isolation, emphasizing the role of technology in bridging gaps between urban living and ecological awareness. The exhibit invites visitors to reflect on how design can support interdependence between humans and their natural surroundings.
For younger audiences, Greenville by Petit Architect delivers an engaging, participatory experience. Visitors can help construct a miniature model of a future eco-friendly neighborhood over several days, gaining insights into how climate change influences urban planning. The project teaches children about sustainability through interactive activities, including drawing and writing exercises that encourage them to envision their ideal green cities. By involving participants directly in the design process, Petit Architect aims to cultivate early awareness of how built environments impact climate resilience and community well-being.
Why Adaptability Drives Modern Housing
Despite their differences, all four concepts emphasize adaptability as a core principle. Housing solutions must address financial limitations, labor gaps, and climate risks. The modular flexibility of Addapt, the compact efficiency of Micro-hood, and the nature-focused integration of Don’t Forget Me collectively signal a broader movement toward versatility, whether in physical layouts or community involvement. Each installation shows the need for design to respond dynamically to evolving societal needs, from demographic shifts to environmental pressures.
The Future Neighbourhood exhibit does not provide definitive solutions, but it raises pressing inquiries. Could modular housing displace traditional custom builds? Might single-lot apartments become standard? And what role will AI play in defining the next generation of living spaces? The installations at IDS Vancouver highlight how innovation in residential design must address both creative vision and practical implementation to achieve meaningful change. The show’s immersive approach ensures these questions remain at the forefront of public discourse, pushing the industry toward more inclusive and sustainable design solutions.
