DIRTT Environmental Solutions

I came here during Chicago Architecture Foundation Open House 2013: the combination of the view and catchy name made me very curious to check out the space at least. The space was brilliant with modular design and incorporation of multimedia elements to advertise their business concepts. The balcony view was open for a gorgeous panoramic view of the Chicago River! If you have a chance to visit this space it is a premier view of the city.
As far as the DIRTT company, it took me a while to figure out what it was all about (and this is not a review of the business, since I am not a customer, more the site) since it is a unique concept-​driven business that applies to many settings. The website is filled with more opaque statements: but after a few re-​reads I think it is summarized by the main page when you click on «What is DIRTT” — «We are Doing It Right This Time, because last time with conventional construction, the computer power didn’t exist to go from design, to real-​time 3D, to specifications, to the production floor. Last time environmental sustainability wasn’t tied to the bottom line. Last time there was no such thing as being able to affordably manufacture individualized spaces. This time, DIRTT is giving clients and the interior construction industry a new way to Build better. This time we are doing it right.»

What a neat little place! I was invited to a happy hour at this place a few weeks back. For anyone familiar with the Merchandise Mart (I’m not all that familiar myself), this is another one of those furniture places that showcase all of their… merchandise (sorry, there was no better word). This company works in modular furniture wall structures, and they have some really neat things. Essentially, you can change your whole room with the products they have. Some of there really fascinating items are the beds/​couches that fold out of the wall! I’m sure to anyone who’s familiar with furniture, you’d say this is no big deal.
Well, then, if furniture, design and architecture is your niche, then this is also the right place to host your next gathering. Obviously, a lot of their architecture is their product, but the space itself has it’s own flavor to it. The company is located on the top floor of a building on the south side of the Chicago River — it has a nicely designed patio (and glass curtain wall for the remainder of the North side of the space) that overlooks the river as well as the wonderful architecture that Chicago has to offer.