AFTER missing out in 2021, exhibitors and visitors could hardly contain their excitement as they returned to London’s iconic Business Design Centre to be part, once again, of the Surface Design Show (SDS).
Say the organisers: ‘What a start we had as a record number of architects, interior designers, and specifiers hurried back to our opening night and turned our main stage into a ‘standing room only’ debating house to discuss and argue the hot topics of the day – climate change, futureproofing, and why sustainability matters.
‘Days two and three settled into a steadier rhythm as visitors from across the UK, and from abroad, visited SDS to discover the latest surface material trends and innovations while networking and enjoying the full programme of presentations.’
Continued the organisers: ‘A record 33 ‘New Talents’ provided an exciting dynamic for visitors and exhibitors as SDS enlarged its support for those starting their career in the design world. Curated by chief creative director at Trendease International Jennifer Castoldi, New Talent featured materials that included a range of sophisticated and innovative designs, from textile designs featuring augmented reality to 3D tiles of eco resin and waste materials.
‘Many of the participants this year also showed a recurring theme of using natural materials and dyes. Reflecting the Sense of Place theme NT exhibitors displayed designs ranging from bioplastics to wallpapers and textiles with circular design and well-being centre stage. Surfaces using fruit waste, tiles using waste materials, a celebration of British wool, and lighting using wood veneer were also featured.’
Hosting debates, panels, trend forecasts, and insights into the latest surface design innovations, the main stage was at the heart of the show. Setting the scene was the opening night debate entitled Climate Change and Future Proofing.
Organised in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects, the debate was hosted by Simon Sturgis, founder of Target Zero, and brought together a younger generation of architects, designers, and clients to interact with the audience and discuss the biggest environmental challenges that we face today.
Over the duration of the SDS, the main stage hosted 18 different presentations and more than 40 speakers, inspiring and educating an audience of some 1,000 architects and designers.
www.surfacedesignshow.com
