Inspiration is an essential component of ideation. It is fundamental, in fact. How we grow as humans is by reading widely and hearing the views of others to give fresh perspectives of how we approach problems and speculate resolutions.
September has traditionally marked an opportunity for the UK design sector to come together and hear from others in the industry through the many events that take place across our nation’s capital. However, coronavirus has in itself created a problem whereby many have had to think differently with how we interact with others to hear their viewpoints.
As several of the major celebrations of design – Design London, DesignJunction, London Design Fair – have sadly been cancelled for 2020 due to coronavirus, we thought we’d shine a light on a few events that will be taking place virtually or in some form over the next month which you can still take inspiration from.
Connected by Design
Connected is an experiment set out to explore how designers and craftsmen adapt their working practices during lockdown. For this project the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Benchmark Furniture – manufacturing awardee of multiple Design Guild Marks – and the Design Museum have challenged nine international designers, including the UK’s Thomas Heatherwick, to create a table and seating, which will suit their new ways of working from and living at home. These nine exciting solutions will all be displayed together virtually, and then exhibited at the Design Museum in autumn, celebrating the act of coming back together – reconnecting – after lockdown.
Designscape
Designscape, from the creative minds behind Decorex, designjunction, kbb Birmingham and Sleep & Eat, took place earlier this month (11 – 13 August). However, the three-day programme, across retail, residential and hospitality design is now available on-demand until the 13 September, in addition to exclusive video content. Visitors who register will be able to access over 13 hours of discussions from over 35 speakers, including 2019 Design Guild Mark awardee Yorgo Lykouria of Rainlight Studio, and browse a product directory from over 500 suppliers.
Focus/20
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will present Focus/20 in an exciting new format from 13-18 September. It will still provide a unique platform for 120 showrooms and 600 international brands to present their new collections, but in a pioneering hybrid format that delivers both a physical experience and an online programme to a global audience. Tailored visits will bring people to a physical experience in London, while a virtual programme of online talks, webinars and product launches will reach out to a wider audience worldwide. There will be first looks of the latest colour stories, patterns and design narratives from 600 brands, alongside fresh perspective from house guests in the Design Avenue.
