London Design Festival is almost here, and the city is preparing for one of the busiest weeks in its design calendar. This year’s festival coincides with the design biennale at Somerset House and promises a packed programme of exhibitions, installations and events across multiple venues.
With so much on offer it helps to plan ahead. In previous years I’ve found it useful to pick two or three zones to focus on; this year I’m especially keen to explore the newly evolved Kings Cross creative quarter. designjunction has moved to a long-term home in Kings Cross, and the area has seen a number of exciting developments in recent seasons.
Themed “Immersed in Design,” designjunction presents a curated programme of installations, talks, workshops and exhibitions across four main sites, alongside design-focused retail pop-ups and places to eat and drink. Below are some of the highlights that caught my attention.
Cubitt House
Cubitt House, a bespoke two-storey pavilion in Lewis Cubitt Square located near Granary Square, will serve as the main trade destination for the event. Inside, contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories from prominent brands will be displayed behind a façade designed by Satellite Architects. Icons of Denmark will present a striking installation made from thousands of lightweight GRID modules designed by Peter J. Lassen.
Granary Square will host headline projects and conceptual installations, while The Crossing, which runs through Central Saint Martins, will feature specially commissioned immersive work. The Canopy will house retail pop-ups, offering a range of design-led products.
Here are ten things to look out for at the festival.
1. Cycle Tours
Tokyo Bikes will run curated bicycle tours departing from designjunction, offering a lively way to see many festival highlights. Guided by design industry experts, these rides cover showrooms, studios, shops and one-off installations, while also pointing out notable examples of London architecture along the route. For visitors who enjoy exploring by bike, these tours are an efficient and engaging way to cover ground.
2. The Monopoly Houses
At Granary Square eight oversized, Monopoly-style houses will be reimagined by brands from different corners of design. Each space will host conceptual installations, live activities and creative projects, turning the square into a playful hub where visitors can explore varied interpretations and experiences.
3. The Dornbracht Water Experience
Dornbracht will stage an ambitious immersive water installation that interacts with Granary Square’s permanent fountains to create a wave-like effect. Accompanied by a specially produced soundtrack, the installation aims to recreate the sensation of standing by the sea within an urban setting. The experience will also feature daily live performances by a string quartet, adding a human musical element to the installation.
4. ‘Who’s Casper’ Charity Project
A selection of leading designers, artists and architects have partnered with furniture maker Modus to customise Michael Sodeau’s Casper stool for a charity project. The stool’s playful form, with its two finger-sized holes, gives it an anthropomorphic quality that reflects the project’s aim: to highlight the anonymity and dehumanisation often experienced by refugees. Each stool will be displayed anonymously at designjunction and later sold via an online auction to raise funds for Movement on the Ground, which supports refugees affected by the European migration crisis.
Bolon by You
5. Textiles
Swedish flooring company Bolon will present Bolon by You, a customizable collection that lets clients design floor patterns and choose warp and weft colours before requesting samples. The interactive approach reflects a broader trend toward personalization in interiors. London-based rug maker Cavalcanti will also show a new Optical Illusion collection created with photographer Hendrik Schneider, featuring striking visuals that integrate the designer within patterned textiles.
Cavalcanti
6. Design-Led Home Technology
Sony will introduce two premium, design-focused products that blend technology with interiors. The Glass Sound Speaker combines clear audio with soft, dimmable LED lighting in a minimal lantern form, while the Ultra Short Throw Projector is a battery-powered, portable unit with built-in speakers that projects directly onto surfaces, turning walls and tables into screens. Both products aim to integrate technology thoughtfully into the home.
Sony Glass Sound Speaker
7. Furniture
Design House Stockholm will make its designjunction debut with a range of new pieces, including the Nest sofa. Another Country will mark its fifth anniversary with a new chair, and Isokon will present items such as the Portsmouth bench. String Furniture, known for beautifully styled displays, is also expected to draw attention with composed installations that highlight thoughtful, functional design.
Vita
8. Lighting
Danish brand VITA Copenhagen will bring a mobile showroom to Granary Square. The VITA Van will showcase iconic lighting designs and offer visitors an immersive introduction to Danish lighting and product culture.
Oggetto
9. Shopping
The Canopy will host more than 70 design-led retail brands, offering ceramics, stationery, fashion accessories, technology and textiles. I’ll be watching out for new collections from heritage mills, carefully crafted timepieces and simple, functional homewares that reflect a modern aesthetic and strong craftsmanship.
Vinoteca
10. Eating and Drinking
After a day of exploring, there will be plenty of places to refuel. Cubitt House includes a secret garden with a pop-up café furnished with pieces from a new collection, creating a relaxed spot for conversation. Upstairs, the Isokon café will be operated with café equipment and a stylish bar will be run by a local distillery and furnished with contemporary pieces from Arper. The broader Kings Cross Creative Quarter initiative will showcase local restaurants and hotels offering special offers and experiences, and a range of venues will host tastings and events for visitors to enjoy.
This post was supported by Sony. All views and opinions are my own.