London Design Festival (LDF) in its 21st year, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of creativity, running from September 14 to 22. The 2024 edition showcases an impressive array of installations, exhibitions, and design-led experiences that span London’s most iconic districts, including Brompton, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, and Chelsea.
Faye Toogood’s ‘Squashed Space’ at Poltrona Frau
Acclaimed British designer Faye Toogood returns to London Design Festival with her immersive installation, Squashed Space. Housed in Poltrona Frau’s Fulham flagship store, the installation blends English folk elements with the luxurious craftsmanship of Italian design. Draped in leather, the room serves as a tactile backdrop for Toogood’s Squash collection, which features the Squash Armchair, Ottoman, Side Table, Mirror, and Rug—pieces known for their sculptural forms and rich textures. The installation embodies Toogood’s philosophy of balancing aesthetic innovation with functional comfort, making it a standout event in this year’s festival.
PoOR Collective’s ‘Together in Battersea’ at Battersea Power Station
PoOR Collective, the dynamic architectural group, continues to leave its mark on LDF with a dual installation at the iconic Battersea Power Station. Following the success of Together We Rise, a striking flag-based installation that graced the power station’s Turbine Halls earlier this year, the collective shifts focus to a community-driven project. The new installation, Together in Battersea, showcases the voices and visions of local teenagers, offering their interpretations of what Battersea means to them. PoOR Collective’s emphasis on collaboration and community engagement makes this installation one to watch.
MillerKnoll’s Flagship Opening in Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell remains a cornerstone of London’s design district, and this year, MillerKnoll debuts its new flagship showroom in The Sans building, just steps away from St John’s Gate. The 1,700 sq ft space will showcase MillerKnoll’s iconic brands—Herman Miller, Knoll, and Maharam—creating a destination for design enthusiasts to explore high-quality home and office products. During LDF, visitors can participate in talks on design innovation and sustainability, further cementing the brand’s influence in the global design community.
Sketch: Art and Design Exhibition in Mayfair
Sketch, known for its eclectic India Mahdavi-designed interiors, elevates its vibrant atmosphere during the festival with its annual Art and Design Exhibition. The 2024 edition will feature site-specific installations by La Manufacture Cogolin, Lasvit, and Julian Carter Design, taking over three distinct areas of the Mayfair institution. This blend of art and design is a must-visit for those seeking to experience the intersection of culinary delight and creative expression.
Melek Zeynep Bulut’s ‘Duo’ at the Old Royal Naval College
In one of the festival’s most captivating installations, Turkish artist Melek Zeynep Bulut presents Duo, a site-specific piece that interacts with the grandeur of the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The installation, a rectangular prism inspired by architectural thresholds, uses magnets, sensors, and acoustic reflectors to create a sensory experience that responds to the viewer’s presence. Bulut’s work, described as a ‘portal for dimensional transition and equilibrium,’ draws a compelling contrast between the historic setting and contemporary design, offering a thought-provoking exploration of space and perception.
London Design Festival 2024 promises a rich tapestry of creativity, innovation, and dialogue between past and present. Whether you’re a seasoned design enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone, cementing LDF as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar.
