The Surface Design Show, the only event in the UK to focus exclusively on interior and exterior surface materials, will return to London’s Business Design Centre from the 6th until the 8th of February 2018. It will provide architects, designers, and suppliers, with the latest materials, trends, and innovations.
The 170 exhibitors will present their different pieces of work that vary from hand-crafted surfaces to the latest technological advances in architectural lightning. The opening night will feature a live debate called ‘A crisis for the next generation – is London just for the wealthy?’, in which a panel led by RIBA president Ben Derbyshire will discuss the issues facing young Londoners that seek to become homeowners.
Wednesday, the 7th of February, will see another debate, but this time based on design for transport and led by Chairman of PriestmanGoode, Paul Priestman, and Julian Maynard from Maynard-Design. There will also be a discussion revolved around designing the dream home, featuring TV presenter Naomi Cleaver and architect Carl Turner; and a lightning talk from Light iQ creative director Rebecca Weir. Phil Coffey from Coffey Architects will also be present there, hosting the PechaKucha evening, along with a panel of nine speakers from top architectural practices.
Other interesting activities and discussions include Surface Spotlight Live curated by Treniq and Colour Hive, which will forecast colours and trends. Light School will also return to the Surface Design Show and it will inform those present there on pioneering examples of lightning design in architecture.
The event will also hold an awards programme, which will be announced on the final day. It will reveal the best examples of surface design in the UK and abroad and will present the 13 prizes on offer. Each work will be judged based on a range of criteria, such as the type of surface, the use of materials, and the overall aesthetic.