CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK
Creating a more sustainable way of living – from biodiversity to reduce-reuse-recycle – remains a key subject matter for many design manufacturers and makers
sponsored by 3D design software company , SketchUp – to St John ’ s Gate of the Order of St John . This site-specific piece , titled Gateway and measuring 6m ( height ) by 15.5m ( length ), will feature 27 giant spikes hand-sewn in a striking blue textile . It forms part of
Messam ’ s ongoing art series taking over historic architectural sites – and inviting the public to examine their environment in a new light through its deliberately ambiguous shape and size .
Terra Firma edible landscape by Heiter X
“ Gateway offers a dynamic and unforgettable sensory experience ,” says Messam . “ While the spikes tower above the public as they pass through the gate , the bespoke piece traces the internal space between the arches before bursting out beyond the bounds of the building .”
In addition to Gateway , visitors will have the opportunity to experience Messam ’ s artistic treatment of the iconic telephone boxes – sponsored by Budvar . K6 , originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott for the coronation of George V in 1935 , is one of the most recognised telephone boxes ; while K2 – also designed by Scott in 1924 – was the first national telephone box , many of which were initially installed in Clerkenwell . Spread over three locations , the former is located on Cowcross Street , and the latter can be found on Clerkenwell Road as well as outside St James ’ s Church .
Old Sessions House , CDW ’ s festival hub and home to Terra Firma
SUSTAINABILITY IS THE NORM
Creating a more sustainable way of living – from biodiversity to reduce-reuse-recycle – remains a key subject matter for many design manufacturers and makers . Using modern technology and the latest research , many explore and propose new ways to challenge the status quo while tackling these industry-wide issues with a global outlook .
As part of the CDW Presents series , SYMBIOCENE LIVING : Mycelium Building Block is an interpretive , artistic mycelium installation that encourages the public to envision and engage with fungi architecture . While the modular feature is made of mycelium blocks with a 3D printed timber shell , the blocks – each similar in size to a watermelon – will be arranged to create a different formation incorporating abstract seating and towers on each day of the festival .
Set to be situated outside Clerkenwell & Social on St John ’ s Square , this one-off installation is designed by East London-based PLP Architecture – which has produced some of the world ’ s greenest and most intelligent designs through a profound commitment to social , economic and environmental values .
Over at Old Sessions House , Heiter X – a sustainable food design and experience studio founded by Estonia-based Helis Heiter – will launch its first collection of sculptural tableware in collaboration with Krohwin . Crafted using traditional building techniques and innovative 3D clay printing technology , the Mound Collection is made from
raw clay and natural carnauba wax – as well as repurposed food industry waste including buckwheat and hemp shells . The collection symbolises the mounds of food wasted every day , serving as a visual reminder of the need for more conscious consumption and waste reduction .
The new tableware will be shown alongside Terra Firma , an edible tablescape aimed to spark conversation and inspire change in the way we think about and interact with food .
Launched in 2022 , Kent-based Recork ( Project ) specialises in stylish cork flooring made from 85 % natural cork , harvested from trees grown in well-managed cork oak Montado . According to the eco-conscious company , it is the only one on the market that takes raw material from the Portuguese oak forests and turns production waste used for stoppers – as well as cork from early harvests – into flooring planks . Recork ’ s stand at CDW will feature its latest rug collection – made entirely from sustainably sourced cork , wool and cotton – in partnership with Portuguese brand Sugo Cork Rugs .
Founded by former textile buyer Charlotte Raffo , The Monkey Puzzle Tree ( Light ) celebrates the best of creativity and eccentricity from the North of England – by collaborating with Yorkshire artists to locally design and produce fabrics and wallpapers . At CDW , the independent business will showcase its Modernist-inspired wallpaper , Hit The North , featuring artwork by graphic artist Drew Millward printed onto sustainable Portuguese cork .
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