The London Design Festival, September 14-22, directly commissions many projects spread throughout the city, developed with different sponsors. Here are some highlights
Read also:
- London Design Festival: Festival Commissions and Special Projects
- 100% Design, 25th edition
- I-MADE, the first exhibition dedicated exclusively to Italian design in London
The Festival Commissions include different installations, exhibitions, events, creations, designed by architects and designers in collaboration with LDF, to spread even more design in the city of London. Besides the Festival Commissions, the Special Projects are also special episodes of city design, highlighting the importance of the London Design Festival for the city of London.
Disco Carbonara: Martino Gamper, Coal Drops Yard
The fake entrance to a fake nightclub is the installation designed by Martino Gamper at Coal Drops Yard. A low environmental impact structure simulates a village, inspired by Grigory Potemkin’s project for Empress Catherine of Russia, a village built just for her, which did not exist in reality. The project also marks King’s Cross’s official addition to the Design Destinations as the Design District.
Iri-Descent, by Liz West, at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason takes part in LDF with an installation made up of 150 cubes, located in the atrium of Piccadilly’s shop. Coated with a two-color film, the cubes are iridescent and change color as people pass by. The project aims to improve the quality of architectural spaces and public spaces.
Life Labyrinth, by Patternity, Westminster Square
Built opposite Westminster Cathedral, the Life Labyrinth is an element of both urban decor and a meditative journey. The strength of the labyrinth, among wild herbs, sounds and flowers, pushes you to relax, walking towards an imagined destination.
VOID, by Dan Tobin Smith with The Experience Machine studio and Gemfields, at Collins Music Hall
Rubies from Mozambique and emeralds from Zambia inspired the multisensory spatial installation at Collins Music Hall, Islington. Visitors can navigate through large-scale projections, showing the interior of the precious stones, creating scenarios that blur the boundaries between design and nature.
Idiosincratico, by Martino Gamper with Samsung, Coal Drops Yard
The Korean consumer electronics brand presents a further installation by the South Tyrolean designer, where visitors can explore the designer’s creative paths, helping themselves with advanced technology.
Take The Plunge, by Volume Creative in Bargerhouse, Oxo Tower Wharf
This is an immersive experience in the immensity of the sea, imitating the infinite at sunset. A project inspired by the love for the ocean, realized thanks to the opportunities that design offers.
Walala Lounge, by Camille Walala, South Molton Street
Finally, the return of Camille Walala to the London Design Festival, again with street furniture, after the project of 2017. This includes 10 benches-sculptures, with planters, along South Molton Street, which becomes a sort of outdoor living room. The benches, by Tricoya® MDF and brushed steel, are made up of cubes, cylinders, arches, in different colors; the urban decor is completed by hanging flags, creating a multicolored corridor. [Text Spencer Foil]
Read also:
- London Design Festival: Festival Commissions and Special Projects
- 100% Design, 25th edition
- I-MADE, the first exhibition dedicated exclusively to Italian design in London
