The Third Space: Designing a Lobby for Connection

LIV Design Studio is back with another Student Challenge.

The Problem:
Canada’s rapid urban growth over the past decade has created a shortage of third spaces that foster community interaction—spaces that close to 70% of people view as essential to their social fabric (source). A third space refers to a social environment distinct from home (first space) and work (second space), where people gather, interact, and build relationships. Such spaces are key to encouraging spontaneous interactions, facilitating social support networks, and building resilient communities and as such serve as the cornerstone of many communities across Canada.

The Challenge:
Create a 790 sq. ft. lobby design that functions as a vibrant third space where residents can naturally connect. This space should be welcoming, inclusive, and adaptable, featuring elements like communal areas or coffee spots that encourage interaction. Your goal is to create a dynamic, accessible space that turns the lobby space from a transient space into a vibrant hub where residents feel a sense of belonging and community—a place that enhances everyday interactions and turns neighbors into friends.

What’s New this Year:
At LIV Design Studio, technology is one of our core ethos. That’s why this year we have included the use of AI as a part of the judging criteria. Participants are required to utilize AI in the design process for their space and write a report on how it was implemented. Submissions will be assessed on the creativity and inventiveness of their use of AI.

The Finale:
The top three designs will be selected as finalists and will have their design brought to life in Augmented Reality by the LIV Design CG team for IDS Toronto 2025. Designs will be judged on concept, creativity, functionality, lighting, innovation, and materials. The People’s Choice Award will be determined by public voting, with winners announced at IDS Toronto on January 26, 2025.

Prizes

First (1st) place: $8,000

Second (2nd) place: $4,000

Third (3rd) place $2,000

People’s Choice Award (IDS attendee vote): $1,000

Present your work to a vast audience in the interior design community through a booth and augmented reality (AR) technology at IDS Toronto 2025.

This Year’s Finalists

Gigi Dybalski, Natalie Guberney & Jenny Huggon | Crossroads
Sheridan College

Crossroads reimagines the condo lobby as a dynamic community hub. The space centers around an AI-powered digital light wall that changes and evolves throughout the day. Flexible seating options and an inviting cafe help transform everyday encounters into meaningful connections.

Aylin Haghighi & Hannah Kim | The Eirene Lobby
LaSalle College Vancouver

Eirene Lobby is a transformative interior design concept that reimagines communal spaces through a nature-inspired, inclusive approach. By blending biophilic design with flexible functionality, the project creates a welcoming sanctuary that encourages connection, while showcasing the innovative potential of AI in design exploration and visualization.

Jacqueline Lai, Dilara Cengiz & Nader Al-Fahad | Urban Living Room
Toronto Metropolitan University

The Urban Living Room reimagines that traditional condo lobby as a warm adaptable space designed to foster community and casual connection. Centered around the idea of a third space, the open layout combined with thoughtful design elements like parametric ceilings and elegant furnishings make this a space that can evolve to meet the needs of all residents.

Timeline

*SUBMISSION WINDOW NOW CLOSED*

Submissions will open Friday, September 6th, 2024 and must be received no later than Monday, November 11th, 2024. We’ll announce and contact our top 3 finalists on November 27th. The 3 finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their designs in AR (Augmented Reality) at IDS Toronto 2025, taking place January 23-26. Final placement will be decided by our panel of expert judges. Throughout the course of the IDS Toronto 2025, booth attendees will also be able to vote for their favourite design, with the result determining the winner of our ‘People’s Choice Award’. Both awards will be presented on-stage at IDS Toronto 2025 on January 26th.

Requirements

Students are challenged to envision a 790 sq. ft. multi-residential lobby that serves as the heart of the building, offering residents a welcoming space to gather, connect, and collaborate. While the exact design context is up to you, key considerations include ensuring the space is accessible to all residents, promotes interaction, and fosters a strong sense of belonging for everyone who enters the building. Such spaces are key to encouraging spontaneous interactions, facilitating social support networks, and building resilient communities

Eligibility:

Must be currently enrolled in or a 2024/2025 graduate of a licensed interior design program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Must be submitted individually or in groups up to a maximum of 3 people (everyone in the group must be from the same institution)

Submissions must include the following deliverables:

1. Concept Write Up (~500 words)

2. AI (Artificial Intelligence) Innovation Report (~500 words)

3. Mood Board

4. Concept Sketch or Rendering

5. Floor Plan (including FF&E, any applicable lighting layout and custom constructed elements.

6. Critical Detail(s) / Other Constraints

7. Optional (elevation if required)

*Note: If you participated in a previous LIV Design Student Challenge please note “Yes” in the registration pop-up to receive updated criteria.

Entry Submission

*SUBMISSION WINDOW NOW CLOSED*

Completed entries can be filled out and submitted using the form below. Entries are to be submitted no later than November 11, 2024, at 11:59pm PT. Please direct any questions regarding your submission to media@liv.ca with the subject line “Student Challenge”.

Entry Submission

Completed entries can be filled out and submitted using the form below. Entries are to be submitted no later than November 11, 2024, at 11:59pm PT. Please direct any questions regarding your submission to media@liv.ca with the subject line “Student Challenge”.

IDS Toronto 2025

IDS is Canada’s premier showcase of new products and furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond. Taking place from January 23-26, IDS Toronto 2025 marks the 26th anniversary of this landmark event for the interior design industry, and celebrates Canadian design and the evolution of designers who have partnered with IDS since day one.

LIV Design Studio is proud to once again participate in this year’s in-person event with a booth showcasing the work of Canadian interior design students through an exciting AR experience with voting from the public to determine People’s Choice. We invite you to visit our Booth at IDS Toronto 2025 to learn more and experience our top 3 finalists’ design concepts in AR.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award opens on January 23 and concludes on January 26. The final placements, along with the People’s Choice Award winner, will be announced during the Award Ceremony—taking place on the IDS Toronto Main Stage.

Meet the Judges

Submissions were evaluated by our distinguished panel of judges, each an expert in the interior design industry, who bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives on innovative design.

Olivia Lam
Principal, LIV Design Studio

Bronwyn Gourley-Woo
Director of Marketing and Communications, Green Theory

Carla Sorrell
Director, Design Victoria

Joanne Lam
Architect / Co-Founder, Picnic Design

Steve Tsai
Principal, Steve Tsai Photography

FAQ

1. Is it mandatory to attend IDS Toronto 2025 if my design is selected as a finalist?
No, attendance at IDS Toronto 2024 is not mandatory, however we highly recommend attending if able. LIV Design Studio will provide complimentary tickets to IDS Toronto 2025 for all finalists. Attendance at the Award Ceremony is mandatory, whether in-person or virtually.

2. Does everyone on the team have to be in the same year or from the same faculty?
No, participants are not required to be in the same year or from the same faculty.

2. Can you submit multiple designs?
No, there is a limit of one design per group.

2. When is the submission deadline?
The submission deadline is November 11th, 11:59pm PT.

2. Are their prizes for finalists?
Yes! First place: $8,000; Second place: $4,000; Third place: $2,000. There is also a people choice prize of $1,000 voted by IDS Toronto 2025 booth attendees.

2. I have a question, where can I contact LIV?
For any questions or concerns regarding the Student Challenge, please contact media@liv.ca.

Sponsorship

If you are interested in becoming a Monetary or Material Sponsor for the LIV Design Student Challenge, please get in touch with us at media@liv.ca.

Limited opportunities available.

Our Student Challenge Prize Sponsors

If you are interested in becoming a Monetary or Material Sponsor for the LIV Design Student Challenge, please get in touch with us at media@liv.ca.
Limited opportunities available.