Surface Design Show 2023 took place at the Business Design Centre in February with the overwhelming response from both visitors and exhibitors being ‘it’s never been better’.
Taking place between 7-9 February 2023, 175 exhibitors showcased the best in surface design, with over 100 of them being new to the show. Nearly 6000 architects, designers and specifiers visiting over the 2 ½ days.
The overriding theme of the show was ‘shaping communities’; which explored an open dialogue amongst industries and brands with the common goal of building stronger relationships between people and places.
The show had incredible speakers programme, kicking off with the opening Night Debate held in partnership with RIBA, titled ‘Climate Change and Future Proofing’ featured a stellar line up of industry experts. The passionate session hosted by Simon Sturgis, Founder of Targeting Zero brought together a younger generation of architects, designers and clients. They not only explored the issues around the future durability and adaptability of current projects, but also how we ensure that the commercial value of projects can be future proofed against climate change.
Some of the other amazing talks included: Sourcing Locally, hosted by Veronica Simpson, in conversation with Camilla Leech, Richard Renman, and Emily Skinner. The PechaKucha included an all-female panel this year which involved Nikki Osborn, Muriel Altunaga, Jeni Durksen, Oluwafunmbi Adeagbo, Natasha Bonugli, Dee Gibson, Nicola Rutt and Sofia Steffenoni. Whilst Legends Live returned for the second year, inpartner ship with Mix Interiors.
Surface Design Show is committed to supporting and promoting up and coming designers in the materials sector. Sponsored by Canon UK and curated by Jennifer Castoldi, the 2023 New Talent section saw over 30 participants display a range of sophisticated and innovative designs from textile designs to augmented reality and 3D tiles. A recurring theme among many participants this year was the use of natural materials and dyes.
Winners of the 2023 Surface Design Awards were announced at a breakfast ceremony on the last day of the Show. The judges were specially impressed with two entries, crowning both as the supreme winner: Glade of Light by BCA Landscape, a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the May 2017 terror attack at Manchester Arena, and MONC by Nina + Co with Smile Plastics. MONC is a retailer selling sustainable eyewear and its debut store in Marlybone, London was design with circularity in mind.
Surface Design Show 2024 will take place at The Business Design Centre 8-10th February 2024
www.surfacedesignshow.com | IG: @surfacethinking
