Experience the Epicenter of Design: Your Guide to London Design Festival and designjunction

As autumn approaches, London prepares to transform into a global stage for creativity and innovation with the much-anticipated London Design Festival (LDF). This annual celebration, a beacon for design enthusiasts worldwide, promises an unparalleled showcase of contemporary design, pioneering ideas, and artistic expression. Coinciding seamlessly with the prestigious London Design Biennale at Somerset House, this year’s LDF is set to be grander and more expansive than ever before, cementing London’s status as a leading design capital.

Navigating the sheer volume of exhibitions, installations, and events across the city can be an exhilarating challenge. To make the most of this vibrant week, thoughtful planning and a focused approach are key. Rather than attempting to see everything, which is virtually impossible, a more manageable strategy involves selecting a few key areas or themes to explore in depth. This year, particular excitement surrounds the dynamic Kings Cross creative quarter, which has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. This evolving district is home to designjunction, one of the festival’s most prominent events, which has relocated to its new long-term home here, promising fresh perspectives and an inspiring backdrop for design discovery.

The theme for designjunction 2016 is aptly titled ‘Immersed in Design,’ inviting visitors to dive deep into a meticulously curated programme. This includes a diverse array of installations, interactive events, hands-on workshops, and cutting-edge design exhibitions. These experiences are spread across four primary sites within the King’s Cross area, complemented by an exciting mix of design-led retail spaces and inviting culinary destinations, ensuring a holistic and engaging experience for every attendee.

Central to designjunction’s presence in King’s Cross is Cubitt House, an impressive custom-built two-floor pavilion nestled in Lewis Cubitt Square. This new civic square, conveniently located on Stable Street just moments from the bustling Granary Square, serves as the main trade destination for the entire event. Here, design professionals and enthusiasts alike can explore a vast collection of contemporary furniture, innovative lighting solutions, and exquisite accessories from leading international brands. The pavilion itself is a design statement, featuring a striking façade conceived by Satellite Architects in collaboration with Icons of Denmark, which incorporates over 4,000 lightweight GRID modules originally designed by Peter J. Lassen. This architectural marvel sets the tone for the quality and creativity housed within.

Beyond Cubitt House, the designjunction experience unfolds across several distinct yet interconnected locations. Granary Square, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic fountains, will host some of the festival’s headline projects and most thought-provoking conceptual installations. Meanwhile, The Crossing, a dynamic space weaving through the heart of Central Saint Martins, will showcase specially commissioned projects and truly immersive installations that challenge perceptions and engage the senses. For those looking to take a piece of the festival home, The Canopy will feature an exciting array of retail pop-ups, offering unique design objects and products. With such a diverse geographical spread and thematic focus, designjunction promises a rich tapestry of experiences for every visitor. Here are some of the unmissable highlights that should be on your itinerary:

1. Explore London Design on Two Wheels with Cycle Tours

For a truly unique and active way to experience the London Design Festival, Tokyo Bikes is offering specially curated bike tours departing directly from designjunction. These tours provide an exceptional opportunity for visitors to navigate the city’s design landscape while taking in some of London’s most iconic architectural wonders. Led by knowledgeable design industry experts, each tour is meticulously planned to visit a selection of key LDF events. Participants will discover hidden showrooms, innovative design studios, boutique stores, and captivating one-off installations that might otherwise be missed. This immersive two-wheeled journey not only showcases the best of contemporary design but also allows for an intimate exploration of London’s vibrant urban fabric, combining culture, fitness, and design discovery into an unforgettable experience.

2. Step into a Game: The Giant Monopoly Houses

At the heart of designjunction, Granary Square will host one of the most playful and engaging installations: eight giant Monopoly-style houses. Far from simple props, these oversized structures will be transformed into vibrant hubs, each taken over by leading brands representing diverse design disciplines. Inside these whimsical dwellings, visitors will encounter an exciting array of conceptual installations, innovative creative projects, and dynamic live activities. This imaginative setup provides a unique platform for brands to showcase their vision in an interactive and memorable way, inviting visitors to step inside a world where design reinterprets everyday objects and spaces, promising a truly immersive and entertaining experience for all ages.

3. The Dornbracht Water Experience: Urban Oasis

Kitchen and bathroom manufacturer Dornbracht will captivate visitors with an ambitious and deeply immersive waterfall installation on Granary Square. This stunning project is designed to interact with the square’s permanent fountains, triggering them to produce a mesmerizing wave effect that mimics the rhythm and grandeur of the sea. Accompanied by a specially composed soundtrack from Wave Studios, the entire experience aims to transport attendees from the bustling urban heart of London to a serene coastal environment, evoking the feeling of standing by the ocean. To further enhance this sensory journey, daily string quartet performances will add an element of classical elegance, creating a truly unique and calming oasis amidst the design festival’s energetic atmosphere.

4. ‘Who’s Casper’: Design for a Cause

The ‘Who’s Casper’ charity project stands as a poignant highlight of designjunction, leveraging the power of design for a crucial social cause. This initiative sees leading designers, artists, and architects, including luminaries like Sir Kenneth Grange, Tom Dixon, and Ross Lovegrove, collaborate with the British furniture company Modus. Their collective effort aims to raise vital funds and awareness for refugees, addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time.

Each participating designer has been given the challenge to custom-design one of Michael Sodeau’s iconic Casper stools. The inherent playfulness of this stool, with its two finger-sized holes, gives it an unexpectedly anthropomorphic quality, making it a powerful metaphor for the project’s core message. These seemingly simple holes imbue the stool with a sense of presence and individuality, serving as a symbolic representation of humanity. This makes the Casper stool an incredibly appropriate vessel for a project that seeks to draw critical attention to the pervasive anonymity and dehumanization often faced by refugees globally.

The resulting customized stools will be prominently displayed at designjunction, adding an element of intrigue and contemplation. In a unique twist, the identity of each contributing designer will be kept secret during the exhibition. This deliberate anonymity aims to challenge our ingrained tendency to place undue emphasis on well-known names and established reputations. By doing so, the project powerfully reaffirms the equal intrinsic value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their status or recognition. It encourages viewers to connect with the art and its message on a deeper, more human level, rather than being swayed by celebrity.

Following their display, these unique Casper stools will be made available for purchase through an online auction. All proceeds generated from the sale will be dedicated to Movement on the Ground, a compassionate charity that provides essential support to refugees on the front lines of the European migration crisis. ‘Who’s Casper’ is more than just an exhibition; it’s a profound statement on empathy, human connection, and the potential of design to effect meaningful social change.

5. The Art and Innovation of Textiles

The world of textiles is brought to life at designjunction with groundbreaking presentations from leading brands. Swedish design company Bolon will showcase their innovative ‘Bolon by You’ collection, a revolutionary flooring concept that puts customization directly into the hands of the customer. Utilizing an intuitive interactive web tool, users can personally select intricate patterns and specify the precise colors for both the warp and weft of their chosen flooring, before requesting a tailored sample. This bespoke approach redefines how we interact with interior textiles, offering endless possibilities for personalized spaces.

Equally captivating is the new ‘Optical Illusion’ collection from London-based rug brand Cavalcanti. This collection is the result of a fascinating collaboration with acclaimed photographer Hendrik Schneider, who has artfully captured a series of images featuring designer Natasha Phillips expertly camouflaged within the intricate optical patterns of the rugs that surround her. This artistic fusion blurs the lines between fashion, photography, and textile design, creating visually stunning pieces that challenge perception and invite closer inspection. Both Bolon and Cavalcanti exemplify the dynamic and evolving landscape of contemporary textile design, pushing boundaries in both production and artistic expression.

6. Seamless Living: Design-led Home Technology

Sony is set to redefine the integration of technology into living spaces with the showcasing of two innovative, design-led premium products at designjunction. These devices are engineered to harmoniously break down the traditional barrier between technology and interior design, utilizing light, sound, and visuals in profoundly unexpected ways to enhance rather than detract from aesthetic environments. This approach reflects a growing desire for electronics that blend seamlessly into the home while offering sophisticated functionality.

The festival marks the highly anticipated UK launch of Sony’s Glass Sound Speaker. This elegant, minimal lantern-inspired design is a lightweight and portable speaker that connects effortlessly to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth. It delivers not only crystal-clear, high-fidelity audio but also features soft, dimmable LED lighting, transforming it into a sensory centerpiece that delights both the ears and the eyes. Its understated aesthetic ensures it complements any decor, embodying the perfect fusion of form and function.

Also making its debut at designjunction is the revolutionary Ultra Short Throw Projector. This battery-powered portable projector comes with built-in speakers and boasts the remarkable ability to cast content directly onto various surfaces – be it walls, tables, or even floors. This transforms any flat area into an instant screen, offering unprecedented flexibility for entertainment and presentation. Together, these products represent a new conceptual series from Sony, focusing on design-led innovation that integrates gracefully into contemporary homes. They not only offer advanced technological capabilities but also introduce novel ways to dynamically transform and interact with your living space, promising a future where technology is an integral, beautiful part of daily life.

7. The Art of Seating and Storage: Contemporary Furniture

Furniture design, a cornerstone of designjunction, will feature an impressive lineup of exhibitors, showcasing both established classics and exciting new collections. Making their debut at designjunction, Design House Stockholm will present their latest innovations for 2016, including the highly anticipated new Nest sofa. This exhibit promises to blend Scandinavian minimalism with functional elegance, a hallmark of their brand. Celebrating a significant milestone, Another Country will mark its fifth anniversary by unveiling a brand-new chair, meticulously crafted by the talented designer David Irwin, reflecting their commitment to contemporary craft and sustainable production. Meanwhile, the iconic Isokon will present a selection of timeless pieces, including the Portsmouth bench, a masterful creation designed by the renowned duo Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to seek out String Furniture, a brand consistently lauded for its exquisitely styled and highly “Instagrammable” displays. Their modular shelving systems are not only functional but also visually captivating, offering endless possibilities for organization and aesthetic appeal. These furniture exhibits collectively highlight the industry’s dedication to innovative design, expert craftsmanship, and the creation of pieces that are both beautiful and enduring.

8. Illuminating Spaces: Modern Lighting Design

Lighting design takes center stage with Danish brand Vita Copenhagen making its vibrant introduction to designjunction. Demonstrating an innovative approach to showcasing their collections, Vita Copenhagen will feature a striking mobile showroom – the VITA Van – strategically positioned on Granary Square. This unique, on-the-go exhibition space will allow visitors to step directly into the world of Danish design, immersing themselves in Vita’s distinctive aesthetic and functional brilliance. The VITA Van will proudly display iconic styles such as the ethereal EOS lamp, among others, offering a tangible experience of their commitment to high-quality, elegant, and accessible lighting solutions. This dynamic presence provides a fresh and engaging way for attendees to discover the beauty and versatility of contemporary Danish lighting, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping ambience and functionality within any interior space.

9. Curated Commerce: The Design Junction Shopping Experience

Beyond the impressive installations and exhibitions, designjunction offers an unparalleled retail experience at The Canopy. This temporary pop-up venue is transformed into a vibrant marketplace, housing more than 70 carefully selected design-led retail brands. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to acquire exceptional products spanning a wide range of categories, including exquisite ceramics, stylish stationery, cutting-edge fashion accessories, innovative technology, and luxurious textiles. It’s the perfect destination for discovering unique gifts, adding a touch of designer flair to your home, or simply indulging in the latest trends from independent makers and established brands alike.

Among the multitude of offerings, certain brands are particularly worth seeking out. Keep an eye peeled for the new collection from the esteemed Welsh woollen mill, Melin Tregwynt, renowned for their heritage-rich patterns and contemporary textiles. For those who appreciate precision and minimalist aesthetics, the covetable timepieces from VOID watches offer a blend of functional design and sophisticated style. Additionally, explore the simple, functional, and thoughtfully designed homeware and furniture from Oggetto, a brand dedicated to creating pieces that enhance daily living with their understated elegance. The Canopy promises a curated shopping journey, where every purchase tells a story of design excellence and craftsmanship.

10. Refresh and Recharge: Eating and Drinking at designjunction

After a day of immersive design exploration, inspiration, and walking, the need for a delightful refuelling experience becomes paramount. Fortunately, designjunction has thoughtfully integrated an array of superb eating and drinking options to cater to every taste and desire for relaxation or networking.

Within Cubitt House, visitors can discover a tranquil ‘secret garden’ featuring a pop-up café. This charming space is furnished with pieces from the new Deadgood collection, providing a stylish and comfortable setting amidst an array of lush plants and vibrant flowers. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, enjoy a light meal, or engage in stimulating conversations. Upstairs, the Isokon café, expertly operated by La Marzoco, offers premium coffee and refreshments. Adjacent to it, a chic bar, run by the acclaimed East London Liquor Company and furnished with elegant pieces by Arper, provides the perfect environment for a sophisticated evening drink.

Furthermore, designjunction proudly marks the launch of the Kings Cross Creative Quarter (KXCQ) initiative. This exciting new venture aims to celebrate and promote the rich tapestry of creative and cultural destinations throughout the Kings Cross area. As part of this initiative, visitors to designjunction will benefit from exclusive offers at some of the best local restaurants and hotels, including the esteemed The Gilbert Scott at the St Pancras Hotel. For wine aficionados, Vinoteca will be hosting complimentary wine tastings, providing a delightful opportunity to savour fine wines and engage with expert sommeliers. Full details and a comprehensive list of participating venues can be found here, ensuring that every visitor can enhance their festival experience with exceptional culinary and social delights.

The London Design Festival, with designjunction as a key highlight, is not merely an event; it’s a dynamic celebration of human ingenuity, a platform for groundbreaking ideas, and an essential gathering for anyone passionate about design. Prepare to be inspired, engaged, and utterly immersed in the world of contemporary design.

This post is supported by Sony. All views & opinions my own.