The Art of Design Issue 68 - 2024

This year’s edition boasts the most extensive programme to date, featuring a greater number of exhibition venues, brands, showrooms and installations than ever before. This expansion firmly establishes the festival as the go-to destination for specification within the architecture and design community. Amidst a rich tapestry of new launches, presentations and events, here’s a round-up of the top things to see and do at the May event; from innovative farming by-product designs and the renaissance of natural stone and wood to AI-crafted cocktails and industry discussions on neurodiversity. NEW COLLECTIONS Fritz Hansen will reveal its new collection at its Cowcross Street showroom in a special feature titled ‘Inviting Workspaces’. Curated to explore both commercial and residential working environments, the exhibit will display furniture and accessories from designers including Jaime Hayon…

Restored to its former glory during 2021/22, the building is now a busy hub with 73,000 sq ft of modern Clockwise flexible co-worker offices, a 23-bed, quirky boutique hotel, Brama and a Dorothy & Marshall Restaurant. As main contractor for the project, WFC had our work cut out. The building had remained empty since 2009, deemed a heritage write-off due to water ingress issues and disuse. We had to find innovative solutions to address these issues while maintaining the heritage integrity of the structure. Our team conducted thorough investigations, implemented effective waterproofing measures, and collaborated with structural engineers to ensure the building’s long-term stability. The project required close collaboration, scheduling, and effective communication to coordinate multiple trades, including client direct trades with our own works package and programme. The base…

The confident combination of themes, materials, and textures results in a subtle glitz. In a mixture of paradoxes, modern forms are contrasted with classic furnishings. Vibrant pops of color, both deep and dazzling, are strewn throughout the house. Covet House’s pieces were essential in creating this exquisite, lux look. CLUBHOUSE The exclusive clubhouse is meant to amaze, with all of its glitz and gloss. It features a bright atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, dominated by black and gray tones and accentuated with gold tones and contemporary furnishings. It is ideal for organizing exclusive parties and game evenings with family and friends, as it is divided into two spaces, a bar and a living room. With high-quality goods like the Kelly Bar Chairs, inspired by the sculpted arches from…

It has long been assumed that bad posture or slouching was the route of back pain. However, Back in Action is here to dispel this and instead tell us that posture is less important and that we should be talking about balance. Concentrating solely on posture and keeping your back straight can cause people to stiffen up, whereas Back in Action encourages movement and balance as the focus for back health. Lucinda Newbound, Senior Ergonomic Expert for Back in Action, explains, ‘Nearly all back problems can be solved with movement. Stop trying to focus on sitting up straight, as this is causing your body to not move. Engage your core and balance instead.’ Kneeling chairs, balance balls or seating cushions will engage your core and force you to balance when…

Pineland Furniture is a family owned business and was established in 1987 by Edward Taylor and his son Richard. We have two branches which are located fairly centrally in the UK. You’ll find our main outlet in the picturesque market town of Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire and our second branch in the old salt town of Northwich in Cheshire. Both of these premises are manufacturing centres with comprehensive showrooms. WHAT WE DO We mainly design and manufacture bespoke high quality kitchens however we also make freestanding and built in furniture for bedrooms, living rooms etc. Kitchens All our kitchens are bespoke and built to the exact size and shape to fit the shape of your room perfectly. Free Design Service We have a unique approach to our design service, in…

The Scandi Edit brings together five statement seats, typified by sleek lines and wooden finishes. Each seat has been handpicked for its versatility, ensuring they not only complement dining suites, but work just as well in a home office or bedroom. They will even elevate outdoor dining spaces too (just watch out for the rain). Exuding minimalist chic, each piece has been handpicked for its contemporary boho feel and will enhance a wealth of interior styles. Faye Leeming, Brand Manager for Where Saints Go, said: “This new seating collection pays homage to timeless Scandi styling. As with a lot of Scandi-influenced design, each seat in this collection unifies form and function, offering exceptional good looks that are extremely comfortable.” The collection is made up of the Copenhagen, Ikast, Magnus, Kenny…