Design Top 5: October 2017

Chicago Design Week kickoff party 2016/Photo: Peyote Creative

1
Chicago Architecture Biennial
(Chicago Cultural Center and throughout the city)
Architecture junkies: yes, you are living in heaven as the citywide extravaganza enters its second month. Events take place nearly every day, including a book festival and a special focus at the Chicago International Film Festival. Visit chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org/calendar to keep up.

2
Open House Chicago
(Chicago Architecture Foundation)
Once a year, more than a hundred buildings offer behind-the-scenes access to sate the voyeur in us all. October 14-15.

3
Terrain Biennial
(Oak Park)
Yard gnomes and holiday light extravaganzas are okay, but every two years, dozens and dozens of homes become part of a sprawling art exhibition, during this “site-specific art made for front yards, balconies and porches.”  Opens October 1.

4
Chicago Design Week
The annual celebration of graphic design focuses on “Intersections in Design” this year. October 23-29.

5
Design Chicago
(Merchandise Mart)
If all this architecture activity has you ready for your own renovation, check out “the Midwest’s Largest Residential Design Conference” on October 3-4.