Top Works From the 2016 London Design Festival

Each year, England’s capital city brings design to the heart of the city with the London Design Festival, which runs September 17 to 25. Here’s a look at some of the exhibitions, events and installations coming to the city in 2016.

Mathieu Lehanneur brings a sea of marble to the V&A

French designer Mathieu Lehanneur celebrates the ocean through an unexpected material. “Liquid Marble” is a large piece of black marble sculpted to represent the movement of the ocean in a static yet realistic way. “The piece doesn’t move, but the reflection of light on the polished marble makes it feel like a real sea. The idea is to bring a piece of the water to a place where there is none, to create a contemplative experience,” explains the designer. Liquid Marble can be seen at the Victoria & Albert Museum, in room 52 of the British Galleries.

(Courtesy London Design Festival 2016)

Alison Brooks brings a smile to the city

Canadian artist Alison Brooks has designed a huge wooden structure called “The Smile” for London Design Week, located in the Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground of the Chelsea College of Arts. This unusual urban object is, in fact, a 34-meter long and 3-meter high arc-shaped pavilion, with open ends that flood the inside with light. Visitors can even take a stroll inside.

(Courtesy London Design Festival 2016)

A space for Norwegian design

This 13th edition of the Norwegian Design Exhibition will present the latest work from Norway’s hottest talent. This year’s exhibition explores the role of the country’s distinctive design in shaping contemporary creations. The 100% Norway exhibition is hosted at the Old Truman Brewery, 26 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR.

(Courtesy London Design Festival 2016)

Asif Khan’s urban forests

British architect Asif Khan has created a three-part installation for the Mini brand’s Mini Living project. It comprises three architectural installations with different interior landscapes and plants, which will be installed in the busy streets of Shoreditch. These urban oases will be in Vince Court N1 6EA, Charles Square Gardens N1 6HS, and at the corner of Pitfield Street and Charles Square EC1V 9EY.

(Courtesy London Design Festival 2016)

Sculpted scents from Zuza Mengham

London artist Zuza Mengham will have five sculptures on display at the Conran Shop. Each piece captures a scent or aroma in a physical form, expressed through a combination of shape and color. A sensory awakening is in store at the Conran Shop, 55 Marylebone High St, W1U 5HS. –Relaxnews