designjunction 2017: what are the news and the main events? And about the location?
designjunction returns to King’s Cross in 2017. This year we’ve focused on expanding the show across the King’s Cross site and bringing some remarkable projects to Granary Square including a spectacular, two-floor pavilion by Renault, who are showcasing their collaboration with Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Adam Nathaniel Furman’s commission for Turkish Ceramics will also bring four giant arches to Granary Square. We’re also excited to see the outcome of the inaugural Rado Star Prize UK, searching for the next generation of design talent, which will be presented in The Crossing.
Five destinations: Cubitt House and Cubitt Park, The Canopy, Granary Square and The Crossing. What about the exhibitors?
Cubitt House is home to leading lighting and furniture brands including long-standing exhibitors Icons of Denmark, Deadgood and Channels and new-comers Fredericia, Lapalma and Friends & Founders. New for 2017, Cubitt Park presents a mix of high-end accessories, materials and emerging design including LSA and Skandium presents Skagerak and Kahler Design. We’re also looking forward to seeing the VIP lounge in Cubitt Park furnished by Kirkby Design and Eley Kishimoto. The Canopy will be home to 70 design-led pop-up shops selling everything from textiles and ceramics to technology products and jewellery. Exhibitors in The Canopy include Areaware, Someday Designs, Lexon and Kickstarter. Meanwhile Granary Square and The Crossing will be the platform for a range of stunning installations and new initiatives.
What are the best temporary exhibitions and events?
We are re-launching our talks programme which will take place at the nearby Stanley Building, part of The Office Group. Two days of talks will include a discussion on design and technology with Kickstarter and Clippings; a session on colour with Franklin Till, Morag Myerscough and Francesca Sarti; and a look at design’s evolution with Kenneth Grange and Rodney Kinsman, chaired by Deyan Sudjic.
Last year the festival attracted 27,000 visitors over five days. What is the “recipe” of this success?
There are two ingredients that make designjunction unique. One is that we are a truly curated show, and carefully pick our exhibitors to make sure visitors see the best cutting-edge, contemporary design from across the world. We also aim to inspire visitors with a mix of commercial and creative projects, striking the balance and showcasing design in a more inspiring environment. Now in its seventh year designjunction has cemented its reputation as the place ‘where design meets’. We’re proud to be part of London’s thriving creative community, acting as a platform which connects the industry. This has formed the basis of this year’s campaign, looking at how design intersects with themes such as workspace, materials, technology, home and London.
