THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THE YEAR.
The London Design Festival 15-25 September 2007
The London Design Festival is now in its fifth year and has become a fixture on the international creative calendar. With over 200 projects and audiences of 300,000 it has quickly become one of the most important design events in the world.http://www.londondesignfestival.com/Default.aspxPlease keep checking in the next few weeks for the Official Programme of Festival events taking place, 15-25 September 2007.
http://londondesignfestival.com/events/default.aspx
Sustainable Design at LDF 2007
You cannot fail to have noticed that everyone has gone eco. From politics to design, the environment is at the top of everyone’s agenda. Of course eco or sustainable design is nothing new - designers have always returned to the theme of reusing and redesigning products. However, sustainability is now being embraced more widely as it soars up the political agenda, and is a major theme running through this year’s London Design Festival (15-25 September). Here is a selection of eco-themed events taking place in London during the Festival.
[size]Business of Design Talks [/size]
Co-hosted by the Financial Times and the London Design Festival September 18-21, Royal Festival Hall, London
starts at 8am, tickets £15 including breakfast
Tuesday 18 September
Investment in DesignDesign is a fragmented, often undisciplined industry and therefore, many say, ripe for investment and improved management practices. But what is the best way to build a profitable design business? How do manufacturers ramp up production and distribution while still preserving quality?
Speakers:
Matteo di Montezemolo, Charme Investments
Hon. Angad Paul, Caparo
Daniel Sachs, Proventus
FT Moderator:
Adrian Michaels, Milan correspondent
Wednesday 19 September
Branding with DesignFrom Marriott to Motorola, Audi to Apple, companies around the world are trying to differentiate themselves with "design-led" offerings. How do creative directors and designers go about reshaping corporate images in this way?
Speakers:
Frank Stephenson, Alfa Romeo
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic
Nick Jones, Soho House
FT Moderator:
John Gapper, chief US business commentator
Thursday 20 September
Architecture and DevelopmentIt's no secret that architecture can transform a street, neighbourhood or city. But recent years have seen developers work harder than ever to create iconic buildings and well-designed communities. Is it worth the extra investment? Which projects around the world should others try to emulate?
Speakers:
Mike Hussey, Land Securities
Spencer de Grey, Foster & Partners
David Rosen, Pilcher Hershman
FT Moderators:
Jim Pickard, property correspondent
Edwin Heathcote, architecture critic
Friday 21 September
Design RetailWhat is the best way to sell design to consumers? We consider success stories and failures, ranging from the mass market to the niche, department store revamps to boutique expansions.
Speakers:
Vittorio Radice, La Rinascente
Murray Moss, Moss
Florence Delorme, Habitat
FT Moderator:
Elizabeth Rigby, retail correspondent
[size=3]Design Talks with Blueprint Magazine [size] The London Design Festival and Blueprint magazine are bringing together a host of leading designers, artists and commentators to discuss the how design relates to the cultural life of Britain. Taking place at the main hub of the Festival, the Royal Festival Hall, they culminate with a discussion between two of Britain’s leading female architects and furniture designers: Zaha Hadid and Amanda Levete.
All of the talks will be held at the Royal Festival Hall in the level 5 function room
Tuesday 18th September 6pm
Archigram founder, writer and educator Peter Cook, design duo Patrik Fedrikson & Ian Stallard, restauranteur Mourad Mazouz of Sketch & MoMo , and artist Mark Wallinger
Thursday 20th September 6pm
Painter & art critic Matthew Collins, film director John Maybury, designer Ross Lovegrove, and designer & partner of Established & Sons Sebastian Wrong
Friday 21st September 6pm
Architect & Pritzker prize winner Zaha Hadid, and architect & designer Amanda Levete of Future Systems
Saturday 22 September 3pm
Film day with ‘this is tomorrow’ introduced by Paul Kelly of St Etienne
All tickets £8 (including a free drink) from the Southbank Centre box office on 0871 6632500 or www.southbankcentre.co.uk.
The film day on saturday is free.