Surface Design Show 2019


A preview of what to look forward to at next month's Surface Design Show


Words by Emily Martin

5 – 7 February, Business Design Centre, London

The next edition of the annual Surface Design Show (SDS) is set to take place at its annual residence, the Business Design Centre. On show will be the latest materials for the built environment, with visitors gaining new insights as well as the chance to network with other designers, architects and suppliers. It will also feature a packed programme of inspirational events, kicking off with The Opening Night Live Debate on 5 February, and the ever-popular PechaKucha Evening, on 6 February, which will be hosted by Chris Dyson of Chris Dyson Architects. We take a peek of what other show highlights visitors to the event can expect.

Surface Design Awards

Brunch With, by MM Consulte, another entry to the SDS AwardsBrunch With, by MM Consulate, another entry to the SDS Awards

The awards ceremony is on 7 February with this year’s shortlist compiled from nearly 200 entries, and from 22 countries. There are 13 awards that recognise exterior and interior surfaces for different sectors of design, including commercial, housing, light and surface, public building, retail, sustainable, and temporary structure. This year’s judging panel include Christophe Egret from Studio Egret West; Katie Greenyer from Pentland Group; Roz Barr from Roz Barr Architects and Paul Priestman from Priestman Goode.

The shortlist for the Surface Design Awards will be posted on its website prior to the three day event.

Laura Evans DesignsLaura Evans Designs

Focus 2019

MUUNAMUUNA

Tomasz MakerTomasz Maker

The chosen focuses for SDS 2019 are the workplace and the public realm. Through a series of profiles in the run-up to the show, and in presentations at the show, these two specialist areas of design will be explored from a surface specific point of view, providing engaging insight into the best and latest products, materials and applications that impact working and public realm environments.

New Talent

Yamin KirisYasmin Kiris

A new addition to this year’s SDS, New Talent showcases up-and-coming designers in the surface and material sector. Curated by Jennifer Castoldi, chief creative director at Trendease International, these new talents (in the industry for five years or less) are innovating with materials ranging from plastic waste to crystallized fish scales. Participants already announced include: Chloe Nalwoga, Michaela Springford, MUUNA, Laura Evans Designs, Enis Akiev, Orla Lawn, PHEE, Tomasz Lipinski, Vacarda Design, Yasmin Kiris and Yi-Han Fu.

Surface Spotlight Live

Surface Spotlight Live

This is curated in collaboration by trend expert Sally Angharad and colour forecaster Colour Hive. This year’s edition of Surface Spotlight Live takes on the theme One of a Kind, with displayed materials that showcase thought provoking and innovative products; all going beyond the call of aesthetics to, instead, promote a kinder approach to design.

Light School

Light School

Light School returns for its fifth year to allow visitors to interact with innovative lighting products. Confirmed returning exhibitors include Applelec, Optelma, and Pixalux (pictured). The Light School arena, Light Talks, will also be returning and is curated by the Institution of Lighting Professionals. Industry experts from Hoare Lea, Nulty+, Atelier Ten, 18 Degrees and Brad Koerner have already confirmed they will be sharing their knowledge and expertise at Light Talks.

Civic Ceramics: bringing colour and craftsmanship to the streets

Civic Ceramics

Ceramic artist and cartographer Loraine Rutt and Metropolitan Workshop’s Neil Deely will be in conversation with Veronica Simpson to discuss the way tone and texture can enrich public space and the public realm.

Stone Gallery

Civic Ceramics

Supported by Stone Federation GB for the third consecutive year, Stone Gallery returns to SDS for 2019, bringing suppliers of natural stone together with architects and designers. A focal point in the Stone Gallery is the Stone Hub, a platform for the sharing of knowledge and exploration of current debates around natural stone. This year, Stone Gallery has invited Arup to curate the series of presentations where A&D professionals will present recent projects to their peers within the stone industry.








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