London Design Festival 2024 is nearly upon us… here are my top picks for materials and circularity-related exhibitions.
Material Matters
Establishing itself as the go-to LDF exhibition for all things material-related; Material Matters is back at the Oxo Tower. This exhibition, curated by Grant Gibson, dives deep into the future of materials, featuring a range of talks and workshops that highlight groundbreaking approaches to sustainability. Perfect for those looking to get inspired by how materials can shape the future of design.
I always dedicate a good half day to this exhibition, as the talks are always worth staying around for.
Location: Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf
Dates: September 18-21 , 2024
Times: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Link: Material Matters Fair
Material Matters exhibitor, Colombia University, The Natural Materials Lab
Circular Economy Blueprints Exhibition: ReMade in Park Royal / ReCollective
This exhibition showcases groundbreaking projects like Rescued Clay, which explores scalable processes for reclaiming clay from urban development sites, and ReMade, focusing on maximizing salvage potential from large-scale construction projects, particularly through timber and other materials used in concrete formwork.
You'll also find fascinating work by Blast Studio, which turns sawdust and off-cuts into viable composite materials, and ReCollective, who are embedding a culture of salvage in industries like film, television, and demolition, challenging traditional waste disposal and deconstruction practices. This is a must-see for designers interested in integrating circularity into their work.
This one is a little off the beaten track in NW, but I think worth the visit.
Location: Material Depot, 3 Minerva Rd, NW10 6HJ
Dates: September 14-22, 2024
Times: 09:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Link: Circular Economy Blueprints Exhibition
Recollective, sketch of Minvera Rd Building Audit by ReCollective
Matter Forms: Oyster[Crete]
Discover the innovative work of Matter Forms, a London-based interdisciplinary design studio founded by Mooka Srisurayotin in 2023. The studio takes a material-led approach to architectural design, pushing the boundaries of creativity and sustainability. Specialising in designing and producing objects and finishes for both public and private spaces,
At the heart of this exhibition is Oyster[Crete], the studio’s pioneering material developed over two years of research. This bio-alternative to traditional concrete is made from discarded oyster shells, offering a sustainable solution that reduces waste and is versatile for both small design pieces and large-scale architectural projects.
I’m really intrigued to see oystercrete close up!
Location: UJNG, 77 Redchurch St, London,E2 7DJ
Dates: September 14-21, 2024
Times: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Link: Matter Forms
Matter Forms
Engrained: Material Intelligence
Sarah Myerscough Gallery
For LDF2024, Sarah Myerscough Gallery presents Engrained: Material Intelligence, a curated exhibition at Cromwell Place Garage in the Brompton District. This showcase features the work of Nic Webb, Peter Marigold, Studio Amos, Gareth Neal, and Kasper Hamacher, all of whom explore the rich material intelligence of wood. The exhibition intersects craft, design, and material research, highlighting innovative approaches to process and technique.
Each piece in this exhibition draws out the innate properties of wood, emphasizing its history, emotional durability, and expressive capacities. The works on display illustrate how working with wood influences the design process, allowing the material to guide the creation of magnificent sculptural pieces. These pieces expand upon historical craft knowledge while bringing it into the present.
Location: Cromwell Place Garage, 15a Cromwell Place Garage, London, SW7 2LA
Dates: September 16-24, 2024
Times: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Link: Engrained: Material Intelligence
Studio Amos Making Portrait
Bio-Spaces: Regenerative, Resilient Futures
Curated by Planted in collaboration with Oliver Heath Design Studio, the exhibition dives into biophilic design, covering themes like biodiversity, biomimicry, biomorphic design, bio-based materials, and bioregenerative design.
You can explore a series of modular ‘islands,’ each focusing on different aspects of nature-inspired design. These islands feature case studies and products that draw from natural materials and processes. The exhibition complements the water-inspired architecture of the Zaha Hadid-designed gallery, fostering a connection between the space and the projects on display.
Key exhibits include Henning Larsen’s Biotope, which supports urban biodiversity, and Mamou-Mani’s designs inspired by natural forms. Also on view are Oliver Heath Design Studio’s biophilic guidelines for LESTRANGE, which integrate nature into retail spaces, and Benchmark’s AYA Collection, crafted from FSC-certified British ash. Additionally, you’ll find innovative bio-based materials like Solidwool’s sustainable composites and Biohm’s mycelium-based insulation panels.
Location: Roca London Gallery, Station Court, Townmead road, SW6 2PY
Dates: September 14-21, 2024
Times: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Link: Bio-Spaces: Regenerative, Resilient Futures
Image Credit: Alex Medina
Ethical Colour, an exhibition at Switchboard Studios
Colour of Saying
Ethical Colour is an interactive exhibition presented by Colour of Saying. This ongoing research project promotes climate-positive and regenerative colour sources, showcasing progressive colour makers whose work spans various design disciplines. The exhibition highlights themes such as waste reincorporation, emissions reduction, pollution, natural regeneration, and biotech solutions.
Over four days, Ethical Colour will feature a diverse lineup of colour makers, including Jesse Adler, Colorifix, Phoebe Lewis, Ruth Lloyd, and many others. Their work emphasises the importance of sustainable and circular practices in colour making. The exhibition also includes hands-on workshops that invite visitors to explore natural dye techniques and the potential of plant-based, locally foraged colours.
The workshops include:
Ephemeral Hues Workshop by Slow Painting Studio x Colour of Saying (21 September, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Natural Dye & Hapa Zome Techniques by Alice Burnhope x Colour of Saying (21 September, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
Seasonal Colour Making by Hannah Elisabeth Jones x Colour of Saying (21 September, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Garden Tour: Growing Indigo and Flax with Indigo Garden (21 September, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
The event takes place at Switchboard Studios, a location with a rich history in colour production
Location: Switchboard Studios, Unit 50, Uplands Business Park, Uplands Entrance B, Blackhorse Lane, London, E17 5QJ
Dates: September 19-22, 2024
Times: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Link: Ethical Colour Exhibition
Ethical Colour Colour of Saying