From engaging conversations to immersive events and a run club, the desire to strengthen our creative communities was apparent at this year’s London Design Festival
Courtesy of Morrama, the Out of Office Run Club from Morrama and TDC PR arrived in London over London Design Festival following its inaugural event at Milan Design Week earlier this year
Words by Roddy Clarke
In a world that feels uncertain and unsettling, navigating in-person events within the design industry can be challenging as we seek to harness the power of design as a pivotal tool for change. While evaluating the impact of such events and redefining the purpose behind them, it was clear at this year’s London Design Festival that connection was of utmost importance to the creative community. In openly discussing industry challenges and finding common ground in debating shared experiences, it became apparent through the week at how important conversation is in inspiring positive action, especially when it comes to social and environmental impact.
Courtesy of Sam Frost, At Design London the Design Discussions program included a variety of formats from round table discussions to immersive game show inspired panels while addressing critical topics such as circularity, humanising the refugee experience, intergenerational spaces and the impact of queer culture on design
As the host and co-curator of Design Discussions at Design London, which took place over three days in Shoreditch Town Hall as part of Shoreditch Design Triangle, I sought to create a space which democratised the approach to such events. Including different formats such as roundtable discussions, immersive workshops and gameshow-inspired conversations, it meant that everyone in the room had a chance to speak, from graduates to established industry leaders and everyone in between. In allowing for such openness, it brought home the urgent need for connection in a world that feels fragmented and polarised.
We also addressed a wide range of topics to showcase the power of design and how, in harnessing the creativity of minds from all aspects of the industry, real tangible solutions could be discussed. From humanising the refugee experience to intergenerational design and challenging the notion of ‘perfection’ in the wooden furniture sector, the scope of conversation was broad but all with a common thread: the desire for a more considered, brighter and positive future for all.
Courtesy of Morrama, Morrama hosted a temporary exhibition titled ‘From the Ground Up’ showcasing a range of projects seeking to reframe industrial design as a regenerative process
Outside of Design London, out-of-the-box formats were also seen across the Festival. East London design agency Morrama hosted the second edition of its ‘Out of Office’ Run Club in partnership with TDC PR. Following on from the success of its inaugural event at Milan Design Week in April, bringing it to London was a ‘no-brainer’ says the team. ‘Building on the desire to create an inclusive community networking event with a difference, I’m delighted to see the format growing from strength to strength, with runners of all abilities taking part side by side,’ says Tim Duncan, founder of TDC PR. ‘We enjoyed a fantastic turnout, with people joining from across a wide range of design disciplines.’
Courtesy of Morrama, The Out Of Office Run Club allowed the industry to connect outside of a showroom or exhibition resulting in open and collaborative discussion
One of many events hosted by Morrama throughout the course of the week, it also allowed visitors to witness the studio’s temporary exhibition, From the Ground Up. Showcasing projects that are helping to reframe industrial design from an extractive practice to a regenerative one, it portrayed the studio’s conscious sensibility and how 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. Looking forward to building on the contacts she made throughout the week, Morrama’s founder Jo Barnard says it is conversations she enjoys the most. ‘The run club was an uplifting event in an inspiring week,’ she comments. ‘Movement leads to happiness and happiness makes us more open, more collaborative and more creative. And right now, with so much to be concerned about in the world, creating moments where we can move and connect with others is increasingly important.’
Alongside a variety of other events, including The Listening Room by SLOWE Living (a pop-up showroom and curated live music space in partnership with KEF), it was a reminder that while the fast-pace of London can swallow us up, there is an increasing desire to slow down, reconnect and to carve out time to be present with one another. A conversation and guided meditation from designer Marc Krusin drew a large audience, with many interested in the correlation between design and consciousness and how it can be balanced on a daily basis.
Photography by Sam Frost, An immersive workshop at Design London from Moleskine and Sons of Beasley allowed visitors to re-engage with the art of handwriting and drawing
Reflecting upon the week, it was heartwarming to engage in such positive conversations and to be reminded of how, through our creative community, we can find strength in togetherness, collaboration and healthy, constructive debate. ‘It’s always great to see London reveal the extent of its creativity during the week with designers opening up their doors and sharing their ideas across the city,’ Barnard continues. ‘But it is the conversations that I enjoy the most. Giving time to discuss a material, design or technology with a stranger and having your views challenged and built on is so valuable.’
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