The Surface Design Show has revealed that the theme for its 2024 event will be ‘Mindful Living’, which will explore the balance between design intuition and analytical thinking to achieve meaningful experiences.
The exhibition, which attracted nearly 6,000 architects, interior designers and specifiers in 2023, is due to return to London’s Business Design Centre from 6th - 8th February 2024. The annual event gives visitors the chance to discover the best innovative materials for the built environment alongside a line-up of guest speakers and thought-provoking installations.
Nickie West, Surface Design Show director, said: “The theme for 2024 focuses on the ambition to design well while doing good – with a conscious effort to protect our planet by aiming for zero waste manufactures and sustainable alternatives. The natural world remains a key influence on the design industry, inspiring new techniques and processes, as well as offering a wealth of material substitutes.”
Curated by material, design & trend expert Sally Angharad, pictured, and located at the heart of the show will be Surface Spotlight Live, a recurring highlight of the show. The 2024 edition will shine a light on cutting-edge surfaces, finishes and processes that embrace the future and harness the vital role materials play in design across all dimensions.
Angharad said: “We are at such a turning point with technological advancements where we are trying to gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations can benefit us today as well as in the future. Since the pandemic we have become more in tune with our innate need for emotional connections. This means we seek to embrace new ideas but at the same time appreciate the value of human interactions. The effect of this on our aesthetic world is also significant, and the way we experience physical and digital spaces is a key research topic for the design industry.”
The main stage will play host to over 40 speakers during the 2½ days of the show. Several sessions including Tuesday’s Opening Night Debate will focus on the topic of Mindful Living. The full programme of events will be announced in November.
