Working in the design capital of the world, it’s easy to be blase about the architectural gems which blur into the background of our frenetic working lives. The London Design Festival takes place every September and aims to startle us out of our nonchalance with over three hundred events springing up across the metropolis. Intrigued, I left work to discover the stylish exhibits taking centre stage at the V&A.
Office Breaks London Design Festival 2014
Entering the V&A’s hallowed hallway, I’m met with the laid-back vibes of ambient music and a pop-up cocktail bar offering post-work stimulation of a different type. Friday nights in London’s museums may surprise you.
Loitering in the shadow of two writhing Olympians, I meet Brenda, one of a battalion of over one hundred volunteers who provide free guided tours and other vital support services to the museum. Setting off at a brisk pace, we head outdoors to the John Madejski Gardens where visitors lounge languorously in the unseasonal September sun. Rising above the courtyard’s fountains is Zaha Hadid’s latest stylish creation, Crest. All sleek lines and sliver-thin aluminium, the installation reflects the sky on one side and rippling water on the underside. Destined for Dubai, Crest will add a touch or understated elegance to a land of opulence.
Office Breaks Zaha Hadid London Design Festival
From the sublime to the sedate, our next unexpected find is Paul Smith’s shed. A collaboration between Terence Conran, Benchmark Furniture and the American Hardwood Export Council, the festival’s ingenious wish list challenges up-and-coming designers to collaborate with design legends to create their ten most coveted items.
Office Breaks Paul Smith’s Shed, London Design Festival
Designed by Nathalie De Leval in collaboration with Paul Smith, the shed in question is about as far from B&Q plywood as you can get. This thermo-treated ash and glass masterpiece can be swivelled around to show contrasting views and is intended to grace the top of a mountain, or nestle deep in a forest. The interior is every bit as intriguing with luxurious padded chairs and a hardwood desk perfect for summoning the creative muse with a stiff gin and tonic on golden autumn afternoons.
Office Breaks Paul Smith’s shed
From sheds to tiles, our next stop takes us to the Museum’s inauspicious underground entrance. A joint collaboration between London-based print and design studio David David and Johnson Tiles, the Carousel wall, throws up a stunning fusion of Islamic influences and modern design techniques. Providing an eye-catching splash of colour to a non-descript entrance, I wonder how many visitors take the time to stop and admire the geometric shapes.
Office Breaks Tiles, London Design Festival
Edging deeper into the museum’s dark, mysterious corridors, there’s a magical feeling of peace as we creak across polished floorboards devoid of daytime hordes. Seeking out more “wish list” items, a hunky figure grabs my attention. Designed by Allen Jones and Lola Ley, the chaise lounge’s solid, masculine lines offer the ultimate in relaxed lounging but could do with a pillow or two. Crafted from laser-cut layers of maple and walnut, the rakish head acts as the perfect head rest.
Office Breaks Wish List, London Design Festival
My favourite wish list item is the desk below, requested by Terence Conran and designed by Sebastien Cox. Offering maximum privacy, this wicker-style fortress is the perfect antidote to the distractions of open-plan office life. As I peer in wistfully, I imagine how effortlessly productive I would be cocooned away from the endless chaos of the working day.
Office Breaks London Design Festival
Making time for a swift cocktail before leaving the exhibition, I reflect on an amazing array of stylish design innovations which have completely transformed everyday items.
I can only hope that some of these designs may make it into the offices of the future – there are times when we could all do with a wicker fortress.
The London Design Festival 2015 runs from 19-27 September 2015.
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