SURFACE DESIGN SHOW CELEBRATES 15
YEARS OF BRINGING TOGETHER THE BEST IN
INTERNATIONAL SURFACE MATERIAL INNOVATION
Surface Design Show returns to London’s
Business Design Centre from 11-13
February, with a new focal point through this
year’s theme ‘Close to Home’, which will look
beyond aesthetics and into manufacturers’
impact on the environment.
As well as over 180 exhibitors, visitors
can also enjoy a packed programme of
approximately 30 presentations from 50
speakers across the purpose-built stages,
including the ever-popular Opening Night
Debate and the lively PechaKucha evening,
which will be hosted by Phil Coffey of Coffey
Architects. The winners of the prestigious
Surface Design Awards will also be revealed
during the 2 ½ days.
Surface Spotlight Live, a section of the show
curated by trend expert Sally Angharad and
forecasters Colour Hive, will take a look at
what the future holds for materials while
the Stone Gallery also returns for 2020.
Supported by the leading industry body
Stone Federation GB, this section’s Stone
Knowledge Hub will form a focal point for
the event where architects and designers
can interact with, and learn more about,
specifying natural stone.
Light School is key component of the show,
reflecting the fact that London is the world’s
capital for lighting design specification. Here
leading manufacturers will demonstrate the
relationship between light and surfaces, as
well as showcasing the latest architectural
lighting products and innovations in lighting
technology. Light Talks, a series of sessions
supported by the Institution of Lighting
Professionals and collated by Rebecca
Weir from Lightbout.IQ, will underpin this
knowledge sharing.
As well as established brands, Surface
Design Show is dedicated to promoting up-
and-coming designers in the materials sector
with its New Talent section appearing once
again, curated by internationally acclaimed
speaker and forward-thinking chief creative
director at Trendease International Jennifer
Castoldi.
Renowned practices including Steven
Holl Architects, Mikhail Riches, AECOM,
WilkinsonEyre, Arupand Chris Dyson
Architects are among those shortlisted for
the 2020 Surface Design Awards, which
exemplify creative use of surface materials
and lighting. There are an impressive 39
projects across 14 categories in total, from
retail and public buildings to commercial
projects and housing. Demonstrating the
truly international reach of the awards, now
in their sixth year, projects on the shortlist
spanned 13 countries from 34 different
organisations with emerging practices
represented, as well as established firms.
The judging panel praised both the high
quality and variety of entries within the field
of surfaces and materials, which made for a
captivating and exciting day of judging.
Tickets are free to professional and trade
visitors. Register at
www.surfacedesignshow.com/register