What to see at London Design Biennale 2021
London Design Biennale is open at Somerset House until 27 June 2021. With 30 national participations and a series of satellite projects highlighting design’s impact on the world, this new edition is a multisensory design experience in the heart of London
London Design Biennale 2021 is now open until 27 June at Somerset House. An in-depth view of the world-changing power of design, London Design Biennale is a multisensory exhibition where critical thinking is demonstrated through creative installation that often combine sound and scent to catapult visitors into an immersive discovery journey. Responding to the theme of ‘Resonance’, each installation, project or pavilion offers a thought-provoking experience through design.
‘Great design ideas can help change things for the better, inspire people and give them hope for the future - never more needed than now,’ said Sir John Sorrell CBE, President, London Design Biennale, noting that the event was designed to ‘entertain, inform and spark action.’
The Forest by Es Devlin at Somerset House
Es Devlin’s immersive Forest installation acts as an anchor to the London Design Biennale was created in collaboration with Project Everyone, and its impressive scale offers a welcome refuge within Somerset House's courtyard. Visitors are invited to walk within the Forest, featuring 400 trees from 23 local species and with an immersive soundscape by Brian Eno, Cheryl Tipp and the British Library Board. A central clearing features totems each representing one of 17 Global Goals with further information on each Goal.
Pavilion for the African Diaspora: talks and events programme
The first iteration of Ini Archibong's Pavilion of the African Diaspora landed in Somerset House and will be the centre of a rich programme of events and discussions throughout the month. Serving as a stage for conversation and a platform that will honour African contributions and celebrate the Black community. The programme of talks and events kicks off on 5 June 2021, with Archibong participating in talks including ‘Navigating Design industry while black’, in collaboration with Chrissa Amuah (who co-designed the Ghana pavilion, below), and a panel discussion on the origin of the Pavilion of the African Diaspora with Es Devlin.
Design in an Age of Crisis
The exhibition by London Design Biennale and Chatham House, Design in an Age of Crisis is the result of an open call to gather proposals on how to tackle important issues in the fields of health, environment, society and work. The 500 submissions span over 50 countries and six continents, covering themes of environment, society, work and health.
London Design Biennale Souvenir
In lieu of a traditional exhibition catalogue, the London Design Biennale Souvenir is a box of keepsakes (availabe to purchase from Somerset house) that extends the exhibition experience. Curated by former Wallpaper* digital Design Editor Sujata Burman and designed by Pentagram, the box includes a publication that acts as an exhibition companion and features contributions by Es Devlin on the theme of Resonance as well as information on each national contribution and special project, a series of limited-edition prints, stickers and even an acorn; something to plant for future generations to treasure and enjoy.
Designers in the Middle
‘Stream of Consciousness’ is an exhibition of works by designers from the MENA region, featuring pieces inspired by their Levantine heritage with a contemporary look at themes of nomadism, craft, tradition and diversity. All objects on display were made in London using sustainable wood supplied by Spanish manufacturer FINSA.
Co-founded by designer Rona Meyuchas Koblenz and curator and Wallpaper* Editor Suzanne Trocme, Designers in the Middle is a celebration of creativity and culture from Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine and Qatar. ‘2021 is the first time we are able to bring our thoughts and motivation to a physical exhibition, creating works from an unfamiliar material that has enabled us to create a contemporary Casbah,’ says Trocme.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
The objects were inspired by the concept of Casbah (Old City) as a living habitat module, a nod to the shifting of life/work boundaries brought about by the ongoing pandemic. ‘I was always curious to explore different design cultures as there is a rich culture of arts and crafts in the Middle East,’ says Meyuchas Koblenz. ‘Local and traditional crafts are the backbone of the design industry, and this has a strong social impact on our lives.’
National Pavilions at London Design Biennale 2021
The 30 pavilions of London Design Biennale 2021 are arranged across Somerset House’s East and West Wings, as well as Seaman’s Hall to the South of the courtyard. Each national participation responds to the theme of ‘Resonance’, and to the Biennale’s artistic director Es Devlin’s call to action, answering the question: ‘how can design provide solutions to the major challenges and crises the world faces today?’
INFORMATION
London Design Biennale is now on view at Somerset House, 1-27 June 2021
londondesignbiennale.com
ADDRESS
Somerset House Strand
London
WC2R 1LA
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
The best design-led cocktail shakers
If you like your drinks shaken not stirred, these are the best cocktail shakers to take your mixology skills to the next level
By Rosie Conroy Published
-
Tech Editor, Jonathan Bell, selects six new and notable Bluetooth speaker designs, big, small and illuminating
These six wireless speakers signal new creative partnerships and innovative tech approaches in a variety of scales and styles
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
As London’s V&A spotlights Mughal-era design, Santi Jewels tells of its enduring relevance
‘The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence’ is about to open at London’s V&A. Here, Mughal jewellery expert and Santi Jewels founder Krishna Choudhary tells us of the influence the dynasty holds today
By Hannah Silver Published
-
‘R for Repair’ at London Design Festival displays broken objects, re-formed
In the second half of a two-part exhibition and as part of London Design Festival 2022, ‘R for Repair’ at the V&A displays broken objects, re-formed
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
‘Finding quality through the act of making’: Pearson Lloyd celebrates 25 years of design
Pearson Lloyd’s show ‘Change Making’ reflects on past designs from its archives, showcasing the influences on and evolution of the studio, from furniture design to the NHS
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Tom Dixon marks his studio's 20 years with a show of design experiments
Mushroom, cork, steel coral and more: Tom Dixon showcases an overview of his design experiments as he celebrates his practice's 20 years
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Porro unveils new London showroom at Coal Office
London Design Festival 2022: industrial architecture meets pure geometries in the new Porro showroom, taking over a space within Tom Dixon’s Coal Office to showcase the brand’s systems and furniture
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Vitra unveils new London home in the Tramshed, Shoreditch
London Design Festival 2022: after a year-long renovation, Vitra opens the door to its new showroom in the heart of Shoreditch
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Mudlarking beside the River Thames inspires The New Craftsmen’s makers
London Design Festival 2022: The New Craftsmen’s new collection, ‘Claylarks’, features work from a group of creatives inspired by a River Thames mudlarking expedition
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
One tree, ten designers: SCP presents The One Tree Project at London Design Festival
London Design Festival 2022: SCP enlisted ten British designers to create furniture and objects from a felled ash tree from founder Sheridan Coakley's Hampshire garden
By Francesca Perry Last updated
-
London Design Medals 2022
London Design Medals 2022 are awarded to costume designer Sandy Powell, architect Indy Johar, researcher Joycelyn Longdon and photographer Sir Don McCullin
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated