Five things we picked up from the Surface Design Show 2012

The Think Tank visited the Surface Design Show, a well established event where Architects and Interior Designers get to see firsthand the latest in innovative surface solutions.

The show focuses solely on materials for surface design featuring inspirational solutions and seminars. As many of our clients work in the built environment it was the one place for The Think Tank to be last week. One of clients, Formica Group, featured on The Trend Wall, an installation presenting the colour trends for Spring/Summer 2013.

Here are some things we picked up...

1.  Future Thinking
The Future Thinking feature definitely gave us food for thought with its innovative and inspiring approach to materials. Using interactive recycled materials and renewable energy, the exhibitors at the Future Thinking feature proved that the products’ limits and boundaries can be pushed further while staying environmentally-conscious.

Pavegen Systems harvests a renewable energy from footsteps – every time you walk over the Pavegen tile, the kinetic energy of your footsteps is converted to electricity which can be stored and used for a variety of applications, such as powering street lighting, displays or signage. Made from recycled materials, this technology offers a cutting edge use for renewable energy.

The ‘Invisible’ project by Alicia Tam explores the modern notion of privacy, particularly in urban environments. She showcased personal accessories (umbrella and sunglasses) which disrupt the visual perception of both cameras and viewers through the use of an ‘invisible’ pattern algorithm and super-reflective materials. We, of course, had to try this out!

The ‘invisible’ pattern algorithm can be applied to various surfaces and objects and has many commercial applications. Whether shielding celebrities from paparazzi or blending in with nature, these ‘invisible’ products push the boundaries between what our eyes see and what our minds perceive.

2.  Sharing knowledge is crucial

The Think Tank popped along to one of the seminars at the CPD Hub. Hosted by the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) the question was posed: ‘Environmental fit-out: a reality or a myth?’ This led to an interesting panel discussion which provided perspectives from a designer, contractor and recycling and waste specialist.

Sharing knowledge certainly seemed to be the order of the day. Collaboration of all parties at early design stage can be beneficial for providing a sustainable fit-out.

3.  How the process of drawing is important for understanding design
The PechaKucha evening was a great event allowing the packed room to gain a snapshot of some truly fantastic projects and insightful thoughts from leaders in the architecture and design industry.

Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat", this simple format saw 11 speakers present 20 slides with 20 seconds to chat about each.

George Saumarez Smith from ADAM Architects spoke about how the process of drawing is important for understanding design. Take a look at his Three Classicists Video for some inspirational drawing.

4.  Elastic bands make funky light shades
Show regulars, the University of Huddersfield, asked ‘What if?’ BA Hons surface design students questioned and explored material curiosity resulting in a collection of items using wood, concrete, glass and elastic. The elastic band light shade caught our eye as a simple yet stylish way to reuse the material.

5. And finally, ‘Reuse is King’...