Blog
My latest article out in Indesign (Issue 44) now!
Designersblock and 100%Design, LDF 2010
Across the Thames, Designersblock delivered a convincing return to form, taking over 5 floors of the Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf on the South Bank. Known for pioneering the use of transitional architectural spaces its setting was the perfect backdrop for its two stand-out projects. Imogen Luddy’s laser cut stainless steel table and other interior products use antique lace, doilies and embroidered samplers as a starting point, ‘digitising’ their structures and reproducing them in unexpected ways. Recent Royal College of Art graduate Anirudha Surabhi is surely on to a winner with his cycling helmet laser cut from cardboard. Four times impact absorbant than a conventional helmet, 100 grams lighter, recyclable and cheap to produce, it is custom-moulded to your head shape via a nifty balaclava 3D scan. Its potential for use with community bike schemes in cities across the world, is huge.
A Gust of Wind, Paul Cocksedge Studio, LDF 2010
UK design practice Paul Cocksedge Studio presented to us ‘A Gust of Wind’, exhibited for one day only at the V&A Museum. 300 curvaceous pieces of Corian – perceived to be a heavy material – were transformed into lightweight ‘ pieces of paper’ seemingly blown into the air by a gust of wind….breathtaking.
TENT and Norwegian Prototypes, LDF 2010
TENT and TENT Digital confirmed itself as the most diverse event of the festival. From Alex Randall’s taxidermy rat lamp to Jung Myung Taek’s sprung metal furniture, many of this year’s exhibitors have combined traditional techniques with new technologies.
Best of Tramshed and Anti-design Festival, LDF 2010
You will have to forgive the lack of writing and simply observe the work. There is so much to see and do, I will need a holiday when I return! The Tramshed – new venue, industrial, a little bit of 100% but over in the East.
BMW’s collaboration with textile artists stood out – a positive, ideas-exploration project for new interiors (below).
Beijing Design Week, John Pawson & more…LDF 2010
At a special (and rather fancy) reception last night at Claridges, co-hosted by The London Design Festival and Beijing Design Week (BJDW), the cities of Beijing and London formally announced a partnership that will see London become the official guest city at BJDW 2011.
Following a pilot effort in 2009, BJDW will launch in 2011 as China’s premier annual design event, a citywide platform comprising a multitude of exhibitions, events, conferences and other activities organised with an array of Chinese and international partners.
Drop_Paul Cocksedge at the London Design Festival
The penny has finally dropped…fully installed and growing by the minute, this delightfully interactive sculpture by Paul Cocksedge Studio attracts people like a magnet, literally. For every copper donated by the public, a pound will be donated by Orange to Barnardo’s.
Photographer: Susan Smart
