At this year’s London Design Festival, low-impact technology and craftsmanship took center stage. Swiss company Punkt launched the MP 01, a no-frills mobile phone designed by Jasper Morrison, focusing on essential functions like calls and texts. Punkt founder Petter Neby emphasizes the importance of single-function consumer products as a means to regain control over technology.
Designing for the Future
The Bouroullec brothers designed a new television for Samsung called Serif. This innovative design eliminates the usual unsightly cables and incorporates a unique curtain mode to help viewers tune out advertisements.
Craftsmanship Meets Modern Design
Max Lamb launched a new collection called Planks for the renowned wood-making brand Benchmark. This collection showcases the beauty and versatility of materials.
Modular Furniture Innovations
The British design duo Beynon launched a crafted version of modular furniture. Their interlocking wooden units can be easily combined, configured, and updated without tools, offering versatility in design.
Interactive Installations
At the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Austrian duo mischer’traxler presented a captivating installation called Curiosity Cloud. This collaboration with Perrier Jouet features glass globes and hand-fabricated insects that create a sensory experience.
Unique Collaborations
Designer Faye Toogood collaborated with Kvadrat to create 150 interactive coats at the V&A, featuring treasure maps that lead to other sculptural installations within the museum.
Celebrating Irish Design
2015 was a significant year for Irish design at the London Design Festival, highlighted by architectural installations and a showcase of traditional craftsmanship, proving that handmade creations are timeless.
Innovative Lighting Solutions
Berlin-based Chinese design duo Yuue presented two innovative lamps, including the Balance lamp, which requires a smartphone for functionality, and the Angry lamp, which self-regulates based on environmental light levels.
Rethinking Charity
The London-based design agency Layer reinvented the conventional charity collection tin for Maggie’s Centres, creating a UK-made product with a sleek, modern design suitable for any setting.
Artistry in Furniture Design
London-based PINCH Studio presented a limited edition table named Nim, highlighting the stunning potential of Jesmonite, a composite material known for its versatile casting properties.
Revitalizing Heritage
Heritage silversmiths Tane partnered with designer Bodo Sperlein to restructure their traditional offerings, producing the elegant Symphony range of beakers made from a blend of silver and other materials.
