There were some gems. The talks and debates at the V&A were superb, as always. Such a variety of topics, and they have the pulling power to bring in the big guns. Typographer Alan Kitching shared some stories of old and new in his most inimitable way, proving his continuing passion for his craft. His recent collaboration with Monotype honouring some of the great names of graphic design can be seen at the LCC in Elephant and Castle until 16 October.

There were also, however, some flops. The flagship installation in the V&A – a mirrored ceiling in the Raphael Galleries by design duo Barber Osgerby – was a clear case of the reality crumbling under the weight of the idea. On paper I’m sure it really worked, but in situ it felt clumsy and fell flat.  

100%design proved that it really has lost its way. Once, it was a destination of discovery with top quality designer-makers sitting alongside only a scattering of commercial, contract furniture. Now it’s like walking through a high-end Homebase…with poor lighting. Designjunction has usurped its position –  firmly placing itself on the map as the go-to destination for a good mix of everything.

My most welcome discovery at Designjunction was the beautiful work of illustrator Malika Favre. Represented by Handsome Frank with prints sold through OutlineEditions at DJ, her monochromatic work has such a mesmerising quality to it.

Balconies

Images by Handsome Frank

Another stand-out exhibitor at Designjunction this year was Patternity with its collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, London. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Dazzle camouflage patterns painted to disguise and protect ships during the First World War, they have designed a range of products dressed in striking monochrome geometric pattern.

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The perfect pewter penguin! Cast out of cuttlefish at Arup’s best Penguin Pool event yet. Material scientist Mark and his team at the pioneering Institute of Making thoroughly entertained us all with their tales of materials, now and in the future.

Imagine a time when structures will heal themselves? Bridges won’t crack, power stations won’t melt and we can all live a little safer in the knowledge. Well, that time is now. Almost. R&D currently underway with organisms inserted into concrete, that when fed, excrete a substance to repair the damage. If you get the chance to hear him speak, make it so.

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Large erection of light spits out delight…! Or so we were promised.

The Shard fired lasers from some of its 95 stories at eleven of London’s best known landmarks including  St Paul’s Catherdral, Canary Wharf, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. The thing is, nobody could see them! What a letdown.

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Following on from last year’s success, Norwegian Prototypes returns with a larger group of young and established Norwegian designers. This year’s exhibition showcased fresh and unseen prototypes from 14 Norwegian designers, self-initiated through the determination of Kim Thome and Amy Hunting. This year the participants were all asked to reflect on the size 55 x 40 x 23, a standard hand luggage size when travelling with budget airlines. The exhibition presented an interesting and quirky range of different solutions and approaches.

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Photographer: Susan Smart

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In the mean time, check out this clever re-use of a derelict petrol station on Clerkenwell Road: the Cineroleum. Tweaked and altered by a bunch of twenty something architects, designers and artists, all with a common goal. They’ve created a pop up cinema- an homage to the golden age of film, with decadent interiors, flip down seat, neon lights and proper tickets. One of apparently 4000 redundant petrol station forecourts currently in the UK, its a wonderful and curious experiment.

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Be smart. Be quick. Get yourself down there!

Forthcoming highlights include:

1. Retrofitting the Grid: New Designs for Old Buildings – Tues 8.15am

2. Sustainable and More Profitable – Wed 8.15am

3. Creative Industries Innovation Centre: The Timely (Design) Doctor – Wed 12 midday

4. The Reinvention of Punt Road. A Drawing Masterclass – Thurs 10am

5. Experience Corner – Thurs 6.30pm

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Less inspiring, the decision by some newspapers here to photoshop out people’s privates! Someone remind me, are we living in the 21st century, or the 18th?! Are we supportive of the Arts in this country, or aren’t we?

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During December, the city of Milan will light up thanks to a number of light installations realised by internationally renowned designers. Developing an idea of staging intimate encounters in the public sphere, Paul Cocksedge Studio will create an installation that reinvents the ancient European tradition of kissing under a mistletoe and transforms it into an act of charity.

The installation KISS will consist of a huge led canopy hanging above a stage from the centre dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and a large mistletoe. When couples move up to the stage and allow their lips to meet, their kiss sparks a charge that instantly activates a light sequence in the led canopy, changing the colour in varying intensity, ultimately forming numbers in the sum of kisses given under the mistletoe. Each time this occurs, in spirit of the Christmas season, the sponsor UBI Banca, will donate one Euro to CESVI, helping ease the hunger in North Uganda.

Beautiful.

From 6th December 2009 – 10th January 2010

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