CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2016

Throughout the year we visit a variety of exhibitions, both public and trade, to keep up to date on industry trends and open our minds to different creative processes. Last week we visited Clerkenwell Design Week in London, which took place between 24^th – 26^th May 2016 and saw a whole host of trade showrooms open their doors to welcome professionals from the design community.

Around Clerkenwell there was a lot to see, even before going into any of the exhibitions or showrooms. One of my particular favourites was the collection of ‘Billboards’ by Giles Miller. The tile constructions were an interesting take on way-finding signage for the show…the idea being that the flow of the tiles would lead visitors around the events and showrooms of the festival. Also on the street was the ‘Museum of Making’. The creative street workshop was a hive of activity when we stopped by. With live demonstrations and historical objects to see, it was a place of curiosity that definitely captured the imagination.

It was great to get a chance to check out the new interior products coming out in the furniture market and the trend for commercial office spaces becoming more relaxed, creative and versatile seemed to be ever popular. The use of vibrant coloured fabrics was a prominent trend seen throughout the festival and some great textile options, both patterned and plain,  were available at orangebox. The trend of ‘bringing the outside in’ also seemed to be gathering momentum and was present in both flooring and furniture showrooms alike. However, as we move closer towards nature and strive to bring the outdoors into our office spaces, technology clearly still plays an influencial role in the evolution of our office life. As designers strive for innovation, technology becomes more dominent in the products around us, and some great concepts were on offer in Clerkenwell.

OUT & ABOUT

• Top - Billboards by Giles Miller - Way-finding Tile Signs
• Bottom - Museum of Making - Street Workshop

TREND: BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

• Top Left - orangebox
• Top Right - Vitra
• Bottom Right - Clerkenwell Café
• Bottom Left - orangebox

TREND: TECHNOLOGY

• Top Left - Air Acoustic Pod (with opening roof system) by orangebox
• Top Right - Luminous Carpets™ by Desso and Phillips
• Bottom Right - i-pad coffee tap at orangebox
• Bottom Left - Interactive Hub at Vitra