The UK’s capital city has long been regarded as one of the world’s top destinations for anyone looking to study or work in the creative industries. With London’s rank as the world’s third-best city to be a student, the city is likely to continue to draw students of all disciplines from across the globe.
Since 2003, the London Design Festival has been celebrating and promoting ‘London as the design capital of the world.’ 2017 sees the festival celebrating its fifteenth birthday, and with more attractions than ever, there’s a lot to see. Here’s our pick of the events and exhibitions you don’t want to miss.
Flynn Talbot, ‘Reflection Room’
Reflection Room by Flynn Talbot, photo by Edmund Sumner for LDF
Designer Flynn Talbot’s installation can be found at the historic Victoria & Albert Museum, which has long been a key design centre and archive for London and indeed the wider UK. Though the V&A has served as a hub for the London Design Festival in previous years, Talbot’s ‘immersive coloured light experience’ is the first installation to be housed in the museum’s grand Prince Consort Gallery.
Ross Lovegrove, ‘Transmission’
Transmission by Ross Lovegrove, photo by Edmund Sumner for LDF
While you’re at the V&A, don’t miss Ross Lovegrove’s impressive ‘Transmission.’ The sculpture is made of over 20 meters of folded material, and is cleverly housed in the museum’s tapestry gallery. This setting provides an interesting contrast between old and new, but also challenges the viewer to re-evaluate their views on textile art and its role in the world we live in.
Bankside Design District
OXO Tower Wharf, Bankside Design District, LDF
One of nine designated districts across London, Bankside Design District ‘promises to excite and engage’ visitors to the festival by encouraging them to get directly involved with design. The initiative shines a light on the area’s rich and varied past, with workshops and installations open to all. Expect pop-ups, secret gardens, and multiple nods to the history and future of the Thames, all located in this beautiful riverside setting.
Camille Walala, ‘Villa Walala’
Villa Walala by Camille Walala, photo by Andy Stagg for LDF
Located at Exchange Square in Broadgate, in the east of the City of London, textile designer Camille Walala has developed a brightly coloured set of inflatables, decorated in trademark patterns of the UK capital. Walala explains that she wanted to ‘introduce a sense of the unexpected.’ Nestled among the metal and glass of London’s main financial district, the bouncy castle’s vivid colours do just that.
London Design Fair
London Design Fair, photo by Alexander Mueller for LDF
Running from the 21-24 of September, this year’s London Design Fair features over 500 exhibitors comprised of established brands as well as up-and-coming designers who are creating a stir. Located in venues across creative East London, the fair also includes country-specific pavilions, and aims to spotlight design trends that may have previously been limited to country-specific markets.
designjunction2017
Ton, designjunction2017, LDF
The designjunction initiative seeks to showcase the direction the design industry is taking on a commercial level, as well as the ever-changing role of design in daily life. This year, over 200 interior design brands from around the world are in attendance, aiming to share their craft with London’s design professionals, as well members of the wider public who might—like me—be after a new table.
100% Design 2017
The Egon Collection for Alki, 100% Design, LDF
Now in its 23rd year, 100% Design is a trade show for architects and designers. Over four days, the show is expected to attract 27,000 design enthusiasts to the Kensington Olympia, and features talks, exhibitions, and installations. This year’s theme is ‘elements,’ with the fair running from 20-23 September.
The London Design Festival 2017 runs from 16-24 September 2017.
