Whether an architect, interior designer, specifier, or just passionate about design, 100% Design at Earls Court in London was packed with the latest product launches, ideas, designs and technology.
The UK’s leading contemporary design show brought together three inspiring exhibitions under one roof: world-class interiors show 100% Design, innovative surfaces at 100% Materials plus emerging talent showcase 100% Futures.
For a quick snap-shot of 100% Design we must first look at ‘The Director’s Cut’, a new dedicated space for exemplary British-based design realised by Julieann Humphryes, Creative Director, Yoo, Partner, David Archer Architects and Non-Executive Chair of 100% Design. The collaborators included Kenneth Grange, Anglepoise; Leon Ransmeier, Established & Sons; BarberOsgerby, Vitra; Marc Krusin, Knoll; David Chipperfield, KI; Michael Young, Trussardi; PearsonLloyd, Steelcase; Nigel Coates, Hitch Mylius; Tomoko Azumi, Zilio A&C and Katarina Zacharides, Morgan.
The Architecture Foundation central bar competition came about through a first time collaboration between 100% Design and The Architecture Foundation: the task was to run a competition to design the central bar area. The winners were Post Works, a young practice of architects who have created a technically intricate and visually dramatic bar that successfully drew crowds into its theatrical space.
100% Materials included the ground-breaking installation ‘Hello Future’ – the A-Z of Smart Materials – an in-depth look at everything from thermography to nano-technology. Curated by materials master Chris Lefteri, there was also a programme of daily workshops that defied expectations: electro-conductive body paint; self-cleaning wallpaper; robotic cladding and catalytic clothing were just some of the gems to marvel at.
100% Design offered 50 subsidised spaces year to emerging designers and this was the foundation for 100% Futures, which gave new talent a chance to build their design credentials through the most influential British contemporary interior design show. 100% Design also sponsored one graduate from New Designers. This year the lucky winner was Suzie Button from the University of the West of England. who was given a stand and mentoring package.
100% Design brought more global talent to the show this year too, with three new pavilions from Chile, China and Greece, adding to the illustrious roll call of Argentina, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Norway, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, plus two Italian regions, Centro Estero Piemonte and Prato, Tuscany.
When Exhibition Director, Peter Massey declared the 2011 show open, he proclaimed: “This year the show once again reveals new designs, innovation and creativity – inspiring professionals and public alike. 100% Design continues to surprise and delight our audience and remains at the forefront of contemporary interior design. It is the living sourcebook for good design.” He was right – this was an amazing event!
