100% Design, the largest design trade show in the UK and the commercial cornerstone of London Design Festival, has announced a programme of specially commissioned installations at Olympia London as part of the show which runs 20-23 September.
From an immersive entrance feature curated by design writer Max Fraser to the pivotal central bar and surprising features across the five distinct show sections, each installation explores the this year’s unifying theme of Elements. This considers everything from the fundamentals of design to the component parts that make up a product, the materials used to the stories and processes of development.
The bespoke features complement the presentations of hundreds of exhibitors, showcasing the very latest products across the 22,000 sqm grand hall at Olympia, which is flooded with natural day light. Whether in Design & Build, Interiors, Workplace, Kitchens and Bathrooms or Emerging Brands, many of this year’s displays have also been inspired by the show’s theme.
The entrance feature ‘Elements’ by Max Fraser
Max Fraser’s entrance feature brings together an edited selection of iconic products from the past and present, celebrating an element of each which boasts intelligent design solutions, sophisticated tooling or innovative production techniques. The aim is to spotlight just one aspect or detail, informing the visitor about the hidden research and development that goes into a product.
The feature focuses on the slender engineered leg of a sofa, the material join on a chair or the concealed tech within a light fitting. Each item will be accompanied by a succinct text explaining the specific element. The chosen products emphasise the importance of R&D and bring to our attention the exceptionally detailed elements that we might not normally notice, understand or appreciate.
The installation is supported by large geometric shapes, incorporating the show’s creative aesthetic for 2017. They dramatically cascade down from the distinctive Olympia ceiling and take visitors on a journey through timeless design classics.
The Central Bar
A symbolic juncture at the heart of both the show itself and the wider design industry, the Central Bar at 100% Design has always been a hub for networking and professional engagement. Focusing on this year’s theme Elements, Sally Hogarth has designed a seating area which features upright blocks in geometric shapes to create an abstract city skyline. Also defining the area and providing a moment of shelter are some greenery and foliage, which adds a metropolitan feel and seamlessly adapts with the environment.
Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Taking inspiration from mosaics and the show’s theme, the feature in the Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms section showcases tiles by Kaza Concrete in an interactive setting. Forming the word ‘Elements’, each letter focuses on an element in design; line, shape, texture, form, colour, space, detail and craft.
Using an angled reflective surface which allows visitors to view the feature from a different perspective, the mosaic showcases tiles from various exhibitors in a unique setting.
Design & Build Bar
Inspired by London bar design, this installation by Ross Bennett features a variety of elements found in the urban environment, such as London stock bricks made from the clay that the city sits on, pitted concrete similar to that of the Barbican Centre and oak referencing the river Thames. The bar also features playful materials such as brass, tin, rubber mac and bands which actually stand for objects that were of huge importance in historic London. For example, the capital had a royal monopoly on brass goods imported from the continent in the 17th century and the first patent for the idea of preserving food in tin cans, made by the merchant Peter Durand.
Auditorium Café
New talent Benjamin Craven, who exhibited earlier this year at the One Year On showcase at New Designers, is designing a bold display of fabrics for the Auditorium Café. From screen-printing to digital, Craven uses heavy geometric lines that give order to what appears to be a haphazard array of clashing colours and patterns, resulting in designs that are anything but accidental.
The Arper Bloggers Lounge returns to 100% Design
Furniture brand Arper hosts, for the second year, the digital hub of 100% Design: #ArperBloggersLounge. Centrally located, the Lounge is a dedicated area for bloggers and online media. It is the ideal place to work and network, hold interviews and meetings, all in an inspiring environment.
Furnished with Arper’s colourful and distinctive pieces, the Lounge will echo the design of the central bar area whilst conveying its own distinctive feel. Vibrant and welcoming, it is fully equipped with free wi-fi and charging points, as well as refreshments. Official interviews and informal talks will be hosted in the Lounge with a programme of events to be announced shortly.
Abstracta at the Restaurant
Abstracta is creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere at the restaurant of the fair. The acoustic panels of the Swedish brand come in geometric and elegant shapes in nuanced and subtle colours. The sound-absorbing panels and modules can be assembled in a virtually infinite number of ways.
