5 Must-See Works at London Design Festival
The week-long design and craft extravaganza sees dozens of artists come together in London to showcase their works. Here are five you have to visit.
An annual celebration of all things artsy, the London Design Festival sees a comprehensive program of exhibitions, events and installations that fans of design and decoration would love. The British capital will play host to the event for a week, from September 17 to 25. If nothing else, these are five must-see works you shouldn’t miss at the 2016 edition.
Celebrate the Ocean with Matthieu Lehanneur
“Liquid Marble” by Mathieu Lehanneur
© Mathieu Lehanneur
Titled “Liquid Marble”, the installation is an homage to the vast ocean. This concept might have already been explored to death, but Lehanneur offers a different perspective by using an unexpected material: marble. A single large piece of black marble is sculpted to represent the movement of the ocean in a static yet realistic way, and will be housed at the Victoria & Albert Museum, in room 52 of the British Galleries.
“The piece doesn’t move, but the reflection of light on the polished marble makes it feel like a real sea. The idea is to bring a piece of the water to a place where there is none, to create a contemplative experience,” explains the designer.
Smile with Alison Brooks (main image)
If you were expecting a toothy grin, you’d be disappointed. The Canadian architect’s display is, instead, a huge wooden arc-shaped structure that you can walk in. Named “The Smile”, the unusual 34-meter long and 3-meter high pavilion sees open ends that flood the inside with light. Located in the Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground of the Chelsea College of Art and Design, we’re sure this offbeat installation will elicit a smile or two nonetheless.
Norwegian Love
“Una” by Domaas H+ at the 100% Norway exhibition
© gh from 100% Norway
The design festival isn’t a stranger to the distinctive design cues of the Nordic world. The 13th edition of the Norwegian Design Exhibition will showcase some of 100% Norway’s best works, while exploring the country’s role in influencing contemporary creations. Head over to the Old Truman Brewery at 26 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR for this purely Norwegian exhibit.
Step into an urban oasis
“Mini Living Forests” by Asif Khan
© Asif Khan Connect space
A three-part installation for the Mini brand’s Mini Living Project, British architect Asif Khan’s idea of an urban forest comprises of different interior landscapes and plants, which will be scattered in the busy streets of Shoreditch. Find these urban oases in Vince Court N1 6EA, Charles Square Gardens N1 6HS and at the corner of Pitfield Street and Charles Square EC1V 9EY.
Zuza Mengham’s sensory trip
Scents and aromas are manifested into physical sculptures in this unique display by the London artist. Each a unique combination of shape and color, the five sculptures are on display at the Conran Shop in Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HS.
Visit London Design Festival’s website for more details now.
