Michael Young to open 100% Design talks
100% Design has announced its talks programme, bringing design heavyweights and expert industry insight.
The show will be opened by Michael Young, who will appear in conversation with 100% Design Content Editor Max Fraser. Young will also present his latest design Roxanne, creating with Italian furniture brand Gufram. The piece takes inspiration from The Police’s song of the same name, as well as 1970s disco décor.
From 20-23 September, thought leaders from across the design industry will deliver agenda setting keynotes, with prolific British product designer Lee Broom (21 September), artist and industrial designer Ross Lovegrove (22 September), and interior designer Naomi leaver (23 September) all featuring. Alongside these talks are panel discussions exploring trends in contemporary design, and speculating on its future.
Exploring trends, the event’s research partners WGSN and UnWork will present findings into reports on interiors and workplace design, while international branding and design agency I-AM will present its newly launched insights platform: I-AM Shift as well as sharing the new trends, attitudes and thought patterns that will affect future consumer behaviours.
Also in the programme are discussions responding to wider societal trends, as is the case with ‘Design for Wellbeing’, which examines how designers are putting wellbeing at the centre of the design process as our understanding of wellbeing develops. ‘Building for Everyone’ (Wednesday 20 September) looks at the growing demand for spaces that work for a variety of different users, respond to diverse needs, and deliver quality on often tight budgets. Leading architects Adam Khan, Alex Mowat and Luís Pedro Silva discuss how their practices meet this demand and create great design for all.
This year’s show theme is reflected in a series of talks which look at specific Elements of design, such as lighting, colour or luxury. On Friday 22 September, Hospitality Elements will see designers Fran Hickman and Dennis Irvine share their insights and experiences of creating acclaimed hotels, restaurants and bars.
Meanwhile, a separate talks programme focussed on professional development will be hosted in the Forum, with practical masterclasses and expert panel discussions. Topics will include how design can combat climate change and self-healing surfaces. Other highlights in the Forum include a panel discussion addressing concerns about design protection for UK designers post-Brexit, and a speculative look ahead at the future of design with Dewi Pinatih, Senior editor of product design at Stylus.
