"Conceptual" isn't just a trend anymore--it's quickly become an educational mainstay! Every single design school showing at ICFF this year veered away from the usual curated "best of"-type dealie--a pleasant and timely surprise.

Read up on the details and take a gander at more images after the jump...

The University of Alberta's "Decay" exhibit completely ditched final models for lightboxes with vacuum-formed details of each student's piece. This approach aimed to draw the passerby into the designer's mind and process, and of course, the booth.

Decay : University of Alberta

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Led by instructor and designer Josh Owen, Philadelphia University showed of 2 years of work birthed from a partnership with local metal fabrication company Amuneal. Factory visits and lectures schooled the sophomores on metal materials, fabrication technology, and production methods.

Wall Mount File Hanger by Paul Franke : Philadelphia University

Candle Holder by Joe Dougherty : Philadelphia University

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The California College of the Arts (CCA) displayed realized products from a "pet" project sponsored by Gaia and Gino. Final designs were developed after studying the needs of both the dog and its owner. (Check out our Drive-by video with program chair Yves Behar!)

Chew leg cover/toy by Jennifer Yoko Olson : CCA

Twins food and water bowls by Richie Tanaka : CCA

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One project consumed Georgia Institute of Technology's space--Parametric Modulations in Masonry Systems--er, let's try "flexible bricks." One flexible mold allows for many different sizes and shapes of bricks to be made as opposed to using numerous rigid molds. The students experimented with shelving, seating, structures, and surfaces.

Parametric Modulations in Masonry Systems : Georgia Institute of Technology

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The University of Idaho constructed their entire booth of deconstructed sheet materials like plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) to illustrate their theories of "embodies energy." The Energy Materialized theme expressed the need for energy efficiency and using technologies like CNC milling.

Energy Materialized : University of Idaho

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The University of Bozen at Bolzano, Italy gave it up to the faculty this time with a mini exhibit called "House Creatures" consisting of curious objects for around the home.

Button Light by Silvia Campan : University of Bozen at Bolzano, Italy