London Design Biennale

Bliss (2016/2016) by Design Team: Helidon Xhixha (Artist); Mara Firetti (Relationship Manager), Curator: Dino KorcaLondon Design Biennale

Albania

Referencing utopian city planning, 'Bliss' is a concentric arrangement of stainless steel columns and benches that encourages both self-reflection and solidarity. 

LeveL: the fragile balance of utopia (2016/2016) by mischer'traxler studio (Katharina Mischer and Thomas Traxler), curated by: Thomas Geisler/MAK Vienna and electrotechnical development: Simon Laburda/DKIALondon Design Biennale

Austria

A reflection on the fragile balance of utopia, mischer'traxler's kinetic light sculpture, 'LeveL', is poised to unsteady itself at the slightest movement of visitors.

Gyro (2016/2016) by Designer: Brodie Neill, Curatorial Support: The National Gallery of VictoriaLondon Design Biennale

Australia

Designer Brodie Neill's 'Plastic Effects' makes a thing of beauty to highlight an ugly problem: the amount of plastic waste in the ocean.

Gyro Table (2016/2016) by Designer: Brodie Neill, Curatorial Support: The National Gallery of VictoriaLondon Design Biennale

"Small fragments of washed-up plastic waste have been collected and reconstituted to produce a terrazo-like composite" Brodie Neill explains.

Gyro Film (2016/2016) by Designer: Brodie Neill, Curatorial Support: The National Gallery of VictoriaLondon Design Biennale

EUtopia (2016/2016) by Designer: Benoît van Innis, Curators: DAMNº magazine: Siegrid Demyttenaere, Walter BettensLondon Design Biennale

Belgium

Belgium muses on today's 'EUtopia' by producing a new utopian map as a symbolic wake-up call for Europe: Exactly 500 years of Utopia - approximately 50 years of EUtopia.

The Counterculture Room: CYBERSYN Chair (1971/1972) by Gui Bonsiepe (recreated by FabLab Santiago in 2016)London Design Biennale

Chile

A 1970s project to give a socialist state a democratic electronic backbone was reconstructed in Chile's installation, 'The Counterculture Room'.

The Counterculture Room: CYBERSYN Monitor Cases (1971/1972) by Gui Bonsiepe (recreated by FabLab Santiago in 2016)London Design Biennale

The socialist government of Salvador Allende imagined giving the state a cybernetic spine, enabling ministers to view economic information in real time.

The Counterculture Room: Monitor videos (2016/2016) by Manuela Garretón, Isidora GonzálezLondon Design Biennale

This project was called 'Cybersyn', and it was in part the work of a Briton: the brilliant, maverick cyberneticist Stafford Beer.

The Counterculture Room: Code Bricks, Manuela Garretón, Isidora González, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Chile's installation - curated by Andrés Briceño Guitierrez and Tomás Vivanco Larraín, and designed by FabLab Santiago - rebuilds the Cybersyn experience.

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The Counterculture Room: Documentary, Ivo Oliva, Ricardo Grau, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Utopian Collective Carpet (2016/2016) by Maja Čule, Mauro Ferlin, Hrvoje Hiršl, Maja Kolar, Mauro Massarotto, Maša Poljanec, Oleg Šuran, Hrvoje ŽivčićLondon Design Biennale

Croatia

Collectives have long been a source of utopian principles and practices - and Croatia has a history of producing them. The country's installation, 'Utopian Collective', supports that tradition.

Parawifi Module (2016/2016) by Luis Ramirez, Michel AguilarLondon Design Biennale

Cuba

Cuba celebrated a political revolution in 1959; now it is on the cusp of a digital revolution, which is given structure in the installation 'PARAWIFI'.

For 'PARAWIFI', designers Luis Ramierz and Michel Aguilar propose clusters of pods, in which users can sit and relax as they plug into alternative realities.

Parawifi Film (2016/2016) by Luis Ramirez, Michel AguilarLondon Design Biennale

When you walk down the streets of Havana, or any of Cuba's cities, you see groups of young people hunched over their phones, crowded around the country's 135 wifi hotspots.

The Astounding Eyes of Syria Film (2016/2016) by Benjamin LoyautéLondon Design Biennale

France

Memories of Syria are collected and shared through the installation, 'Le Bruit Des Bonbons - The Astounding Eyes of Syria', in a bid to preserve, stir up and share immaterial memories of its living heritage, and to provoke action. Benjamin Loyauté visited (refugee) camps such as the one in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon, to make a film on immaterial culture and word-objects.

The Astounding Eyes of Syria Vending Hope, Benjamin Loyauté, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Loyauté created pink damask sugar candy in the shape of an 'eye idol' - a mysterious Assyrian archaeological object discovered in 1937 by Max Mallowan, the function of which has never been decided.

The Astounding Eyes of Syria Film (2016/2016) by Benjamin LoyautéLondon Design Biennale

Utopia is Elsewhere (2015/2016) by Konstantin GrcicLondon Design Biennale

Germany

Split into two spaces - one light and the other dark - Germany's installation, 'Utopia Means Elsewhere', explores the psychological, subjective roots of the idea of utopia.

German industrial designer Konstantin Grcic's installation looks at the slippery and subjective nature of utopia.

Are You Here (2016/2016) by on·entropyLondon Design Biennale

Greece

'Utopian Landscape', a recreation of a marble quarry, is potent ground for an investigation into heritage, trade and migration.

Utopie, on·entropy, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Greek designers On-Entropy state that 'imperfections, veins and natural flaws render marble a map with deltas, uneven terrain and infinite routes'.

ou + topos, Yiorgos Malekakis, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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The landscape is presented as a place of heritage and desire; where nature and culture merge.

Chakraview (2016/2016) by Curator: Rajshree Pathy; Designer: Sumant Jayakrishnan; Producer: India Design Forum; Graphic Artist: Hanif Kureshi; AV Design: Avinash KumarLondon Design Biennale

India

The installation 'Chakraview' looks at India's multiple utopias. Traditional textiles and ancient mythology weave together a sense of modern India.

Chakraview Vestibule (2016/2016) by Curator: Rajshree Pathy; Designer: Sumant Jayakrishnan; Producer: India Design Forum; Graphic Artist: Hanif Kureshi; AV Design: Avinash KumarLondon Design Biennale

'India's utopias articulate the intersections between ancient myth and modern design innovations' says Rajshree Pathy, curator of India's installation.

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The installation includes fabrics made by Aadyam, the weavers' intiative of the Aditya Birla Group.

Chakraview Inner Sanctum (2016/2016) by Curator: Rajshree Pathy; Designer: Sumant Jayakrishnan; Producer: India Design Forum; Graphic Artist: Hanif Kureshi; AV Design: Avinash KumarLondon Design Biennale

Freedome (2016/2016) by Adi Purnomo, Bagus Pandega, Irwan AhmettLondon Design Biennale

Indonesia

'Freedome' brings the ideals of the 1955 Bangdung Charter, promoting world peace and cooperation, into the 21st century. 'Freedome' is a bell-curved dome composed of staffs and orbs made from coir, a material derived from the shaggy hide of the coconut.

Human.touch - AiDrop (2016/2016) by Yaniv KadoshLondon Design Biennale

Israel

With two socially focused projects, Israel's 'Human.Touch' installation shows how design can address human needs and impact positively on society. Yaniv Kadosh's 'AiDrop', a first-aid distribution system for disaster areas employs self-rotating units to drop 3kg cartons of first-aid supplies.

Human.touch - Louder (2016/2016) by Sharona MerlinLondon Design Biennale

Sharona Merlin's 'Louder' is a set of speakers for the deaf and hard of hearing, one that translates sounds into visual textures and one that creates vibrations that can be felt through the feet.

White Flag - Utopia as Surrender or Offering (2016/2016) by Designers: Antonio Aricò; Associato Misto; Marco Campardo and Lorenzo Mason; Cristina Celestino; Matteo Cibic; CTRLZAK Studio; Francesco D'Abbraccio (Studio Frames); Folder; Alessandro Gnocchi; Francesca Lanzavecchia (Lanzavecchia + Wai); Lucia Massari; Giacomo Moor; Eugenia Morpurgo; Rio Grande (Lorenzo Cianchi, Natascia Fenoglio, Francesco Valtolina); Sovrappensiero Design Studio; Alessandro Stabile; Studio Gionata Gatto; Studio Zanellato/Bortotto; Gio Tirotto; 4P1B Design Studio. Curated by Silvana Annicchiarico, Giorgio Camuffo. Commissioned by the Triennale Design MuseumLondon Design Biennale

Italy

Twenty Italian designers adopt the symbollic 'White Flag' as a utopian emblem of global truce.

Shelter, Studio Zanellato / Bortotto, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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The white flag, and the resignation it represents, are replaced by a symbolic bundle, made by folding the corners of the white fabric and fastening them to a wooden stick that previously acted as a pole. Hope once again triumphs over surrender, the bundle protects the few possessions that have been rescued and it becomes
a symbol of hope and the starting point for a new life elsewhere.

Stateless, Folder, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Today’s globalised world is divided into over 200 different countries that are in constant economic competition with each other. Setting aside the fact that we all share the same planet and the same resources, each nation pursues its own interests: the enrichment of one place often means the exploitation of another. Can we change this perspective while continuing to live in a world divided by 500,000 km of international borders?

Asylum Sea(k), Studio Gionata Gatto, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Asylum Sea(k) tells the story of some of the great migratory flows that have crossed the Mediterranean since 2012. The white flag, which should be a symbol of consolidated truce, witnesses the failures of a European policy which is unprepared to deal with these flows.

A Journey Around the Neighbourhood Globe: Large Sized Aerial Being (2014/2014) by Yasuhiro SuzukiLondon Design Biennale

Japan

Yasuhiro Suzuki's installation, 'A Journey Around the Neighbourhood Globe', promises to change the way we look at everyday things.

A Journey Around the Neighbourhood Globe: The Travellers Bag (2016/2016) by Yasuhiro SuzukiLondon Design Biennale

As in all of Suzuki's work, it is a play between contradiction and affinity, of unexpected and delightful connections and hidden patterns. He hopes to break down and reinvent cultural differences, and nurture a sense of commonality.

Mezzing in Lebanon (2016/2016) by Curator and lead designer: Annabel Karim Kassar RIBA Design team: Annabel Karim Kassar, Rabih Zeidan, Violaine Jeantet, Maria Buontempo, Nehmat Alameh, Marie Robin, Chistophe Hascoët, Isabelle Rolland, Alain Pin, Mustapha Hijazi, Maxwell Sterry, Francesca Cantien Guest designers: Georges Mohasseb, Rana Salam, Zawarib Guest artisans: Blatt Chaya, Henri Goshn, Amer El Lahibi Café : Beiruti café by Mourad MazouzLondon Design Biennale

Lebanon

'Mezzing in Lebanon' brings a slice of Beirut street life to the centre of London, celebrating utopia through the everyday designs of the people of Lebanon.

Mezzing in Lebanon - Poster, Rana Salam, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Architect Annabel Karim Kassar's inspiration for the Biennale comes from the activities of everyday Lebanese people, with the focus on a city street as a workshop for designing and making.

Mezzing in Lebanon - Beiruti café by Momo at the souk, AKK Architects for Mourad Mazouz, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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The show of humble street materials and objects aims to show design as an evolving process, rather than a finished product.

Mezzing in Lebanon - Beirut map, Zawarib, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Mezzing in Lebanon - Bobourg chairs, Georges Mohasseb, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Border City Model (2016/2016) by Fernando RomeroLondon Design Biennale

Mexico

Fernando Romero's 'Border City' synthesises the urban forms of the past with the challenges of the future. "The principal challenge is to create a system that is realistic and easy to implement in communities and countries that are located in a border situation and are still developing,' Romero says. These difficult "border situations", such as Mexico's frontiers with the United States, are likely to multiply across the world as populations grow and migration increases.

Border City Audiovisual, Design by fr-ee, Engineering by Burrohappold Engineering, Graphics by Pentagram, Meda by Superuber, Project Visualisation by Synopsis, Audio by Amalgamated Superstar, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Design Diorama: The Archive as a Utopic Environment (2016/2016) by Studio Makkink & Bey. Commissioned by Het Nieuwe InstituutLondon Design Biennale

The Netherlands

Considering the archive as a sort of utopia, Studio Makkink & Bey's scale 'Design Diorama: The Archive as a Utopic Environment' presents a narrative of Dutch design through a collection and network of real objects, personalities and stories.

Ụlọ - Cleanup (2016/2016) by Shola OrekoyaLondon Design Biennale

Nigeria

Nigeria wastes billions of pounds worth of gas in flaring, burnt off as a byproduct of collecting oil, and the cause of terrible pollution, With 'Ulo', which translates as 'home', the Nigerian team looks at how to restore the environmental balance to the fragile Niger Delta.

Ụlọ - Noflaresjustlight (2016/2016) by Gozi OchonogorLondon Design Biennale

Reaching for Utopia - Bergen University College (2002/2014) by Client: StatsbyggArchitects & interior architects:HLM Arkitektur AS, Metropolis Arkitektur & Design AS, Cubo ArkitekterLondon Design Biennale

Norway

'Reaching for Utopia - Inclusive Design in Practice' is an ensemble of projects that demonstrates how Norway's people-centred approach to design and architecture permeates life, business and society too.

Reaching for Utopia - Tangen (2005/2011) by Municipality of Kristiansand; County Council for Disabled; TUAS (Tangen utviklingsselskap AS) Landscape Architects:Grønn Strek ASLondon Design Biennale

Each project has a 'co-creation' strategy. Onny Eikhaug says the power of the approach is that it leads to better environments and more innovative solutions that could not happen otherwise.

Reaching for Utopia - Bergen Light Rail (2006/2017) by Client: Bergensprogrammet (Hordaland fylkeskommune, Bergen kommune, Statens vegvesen)Architects:Arkitektgruppen CubusDesigners:Fuggibaggi, KontrapunktMaster Planner:NorconsultLondon Design Biennale

An ambitious government action plan to make Norway 'inclusively designed' by 2025 is under way, with examples of accessible design leading the way.

Reaching for Utopia - Inclusive Design in Practice (2016/2016) by Onny Eikhaug, Victoria Høisæther, Linda FalangLondon Design Biennale

Norway's exhibition explains the philosophy of people-centred design and displays a range of successful examples through text, images and video.

Daalaan Lattoo Stools (2015/2016) by Salman Jawed, Mustafa Mehdi, Ali S HusainLondon Design Biennale

Pakistan

Pakistan's installation 'Daalaan', is a collaboratively designed abstract 'playground' that breaks down social barriers and invites interaction between strangers.

Daalaan Game Silkscreens (2015/2016) by Hina Fancy, Ali S Husain, Faiza AdamjeeLondon Design Biennale

The exhibition features elements of traditional craft - sheesham wood objects. Lattoo Stools (spinning tops), hand-drawn artworks and screen prints made using natural henna dyes.

Cadavre Exquis: An Anatomy of Utopia (2016/2016) by Maria JeglinskaLondon Design Biennale

Poland

Cadavre Exquis: an Anatomy of Utopia, a spatial version of the Surrealist game, playfully invites visitors to arrive at their own utopia through a series of decisive moves. 

UN/BIASED (2016/2016) by Marta de Menezes, Pedro CruzLondon Design Biennale

Portugal

In UN/BIASED, the Portuguese team merge design and science, using bacteria to visualise data streams pertaining to an opaque yet eroding factor in Portuguese society: sexism.

Peach Blossom (2016/2016) by Austin S. Lee, Goo-Ryong Kang, Jae-Hyouk Sung, Jaewon Seok , Sungjoon S. Won, Kiheon Shin, Jeeyeon HaLondon Design Biennale

Republic of Korea

An international team blends East, West, ancient and modern with Peach Blossom, a digital map that visitors can explore virtually and co-create by adding their own utopian thoughts.

Discovering Utopia: Lost Archives of Soviet Design (2016/2016) by Stepan Lukyanov (designer); Olga Druzhinina, Natalia Goldchteine, Ekaterina Shapkina (administrators), Curated by Alexandra Sankova, Administered by Moscow Design MuseumLondon Design Biennale

Russia

'Discovering Utopia: Lost Archives of Soviet Design' offers a glimpse into an idealised world dreamt up by Soviet designers, that, for the most part, never left the space of their workshops.

Discovering Utopia: Lost Archives of Soviet Design: Vniite Taxi, Stepan Lukyanov (designer); Olga Druzhinina, Natalia Goldchteine, Ekaterina Shapkina (administrators), Curated by Alexandra Sankova, Administered by Moscow Design Museum, 1964/1964, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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These 'forgotten projects' were created at the All-Union Soviet Institute of Technical Aesthetics (VNIITE) from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Discovering Utopia: Lost Archives of Soviet Design: Fire Fighting Vehicle, Stepan Lukyanov (designer); Olga Druzhinina, Natalia Goldchteine, Ekaterina Shapkina (administrators), Curated by Alexandra Sankova, Administered by Moscow Design Museum, 1975/1975, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Alexandra Sankova of the Moscow Design Museum says 'The history of Soviet design is completely forgotten. In the 90s, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the state design system was broken down'

Water Machine (2016/2016) by Basma Bouzo, Noura BouzoLondon Design Biennale

Saudi Arabia

Thirsty? This 'Water Machine' installation has a playful way of giving out water - for a price.   

DenCity Interior & Plaza, 1:50 (2016/2016) by URBANUS Architecture & DesignLondon Design Biennale

Shenzhen, China

Urbanus - representing China with their installation 'DenCity' - address the problems of the megalopolis with a proposal for a series of towers that are small cities in themselves. Visitors can explore an outsized model of one of these megastructures.

DenCity 1:500 (2016/2016) by URBANUS Architecture & DesignLondon Design Biennale

Curator Xiaodu Liu describes the serious issue of land shortage in Shenzhen: 'As one of the fastest growing cities in human history, Shenzhen is faced with the challenge of housing more citizens in an already dense city.'

Otium and Acedia (2016/2016) by Designer: Porky Hefer, Administering Body: Southern Guild, Curators: Trevyn McGowan, Julian McGowanLondon Design Biennale

South Africa

'Otium and Acedia' celebrates liberation and playfulness as fitting statements of a country reborn from a convoluted, visceral history. 

Otium and Acedia: Panthera Leo, Porky Hefer, 2015/2015, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Otium and Acedia: Fiona Blackfish, Porky Hefer, 2015/2015, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Porky Hefer designed a series of hanging nests in the form of animals, into which visitors can climb. 'They're experimental and transformative and encourage you to see a different universe'.

VR Polis - Diving into the Future (2016/2016) by DimeloamiProductionsLondon Design Biennale

Spain

The city of Santander already uses technology to improve urban life and the environment. 'VR POLIS, Diving into the Future' asks: what could it be capable of 100 years from now?

VR Polis - Diving into the Future (2016/2016) by DimeloamiProductions/inmediastudioLondon Design Biennale

The 'utopian' future city is represented through an immersive 360-degree virtual reality film. In this ideal Santander of 2100, technology has brought about a new harmony between citizens and nature.

Welcome to Weden (2016/2016) by Design Team: Form/Design Center (Producer); Katja Pettersson (Exhibition Architecture); VarvVarv (Graphic Design), Curator: Jenny Nordberg, Administering Body: The Embassy of Sweden, LondonLondon Design Biennale

Sweden

'Welcome to Weden' rethinks design and manufacturing on collaborative, artisanal grounds, inviting 15 designers and manufacturers to work together on different, more equal terms, assuming shared responsibility for both profits and costs.

Welcome to Weden: Circuit II, Andéason & Leibel and Humi-Glas, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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It presents an intriguing counter-strategy to the existing model of unethical, far-flung, large-scale mass production.

Welcome to Weden: The Ceiling Clock, Glen Baghurst and M&E Ohlssons Klockgjuteri, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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In Between: Utopia of the Neutral (2016/2016) by Dimitri Baehler with Mouvement; Adrien Rovero; Joerg Boner; Sarah Kueng & Lovis Caputo; Stephanie Baechler; Sybille Stoeckli; Dominic Plueer & Olivier Smitt; Damian Fopp (installation design)London Design Biennale

Switzerland

Seven designers collaborate with seven specialist manufacturers for 'In-between: The Utopia of the Neutral' - a project that reflects upon the cultural identity, design tradition and exchange of knowledge.

In Between: The Utopia of the Neutral - Hyper Modular, Dimitri Bähler & ‘Mouvement’, Mathieu Rivier with NTPT North Thin Ply Technology, Renens & Simpex Electronic AG, Wetzikon, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Contemplating a future where everyday objects will be participative, partly designed and partly assembled, Hyper Modular explores an idea of utopia that moves between dematerialisation, intuition and a symbiosis between technology and nature. The minimal use of materials, combined with the light’s flexible qualities, goes beyond known codes of modularity, envisioning future behaviours of objects we interact with daily. The almost invisible design of the light becomes an intuitive tool with which to design.

In Between: The Utopia of the Neutral- Magnify the Origin, Adrien Rovero with Schott Suisse SA, Yverdon, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Seven Swiss design studios partnered with seven specialist industrial manufacturers, each with niche knowledge of a particular field.
The conceptual arrangements of 'Magnify the Origin' combine glass and lava stone – two seemingly different manifestations of minerals whose states have been transformed by heat.

Eatopia (2016/2016) by Design Team: Rain Wu, Shikai Tseng, Chung-Ho Tsai, Lydia Chang, Curators: Rain Wu, Shikai TsengLondon Design Biennale

Taiwan

'Eatopia' celebrates diversity in the pursuit of a utopian state, and offers visitors a unique culinary experience in a tranquil forest-like state.

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Pulse Diagram (2016/2016) by Design Team: Chacha Atallah, Haythem Zakaria, Curator: Bertrand SigwaltLondon Design Biennale

Tunisia

Architect Chacha Atallah, working in collaboration with artist Haythem Zakaria, reflects on the fragile foundations of so-called utopias with the installation 'Pulse Diagram'. Composed of 54 pylons linked to each other by charred beams, created using an ancient Japanese technique that scorches the wood to extend its lifespan.

The Wish Machine (2016/2016) by Design Team: Seyhan Özdemir, Sefer Çağlar (Autoban) Project Team: Çağla Gürbay, Zeynep Akten Curatorial advisors: Paul McMillen, Zehra Uçar, Koray Malhan Graphic design: Umut Südüak Commissioned by: Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV)London Design Biennale

Turkey

'The Wish Machine' is a contemporary "wish tree" carrying visitors' notes of hope - a poignant response to the European refugee crisis and Turkey's critical position on the migratory path. 

Settlement (2016/2016) by Cultural Engineering & Case DesignLondon Design Biennale

United Arab Emirates

A vast system of planned irrigation once stretched across the Gulf, bringing water and vitality to desert communities. 'Al Falaj: Water Systems of the Gulf's Oases' shows how it could again be relevant to the UAE's rapidly globalising cities.

Two Houses and a Garden, Cultural Engineering & Case Design, 2016/2016, From the collection of: London Design Biennale
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Curator Rashid Bin Shabib sees design as essentially a problem-solving practice, rather than a path to utopia. He wanted to inspire visitors to the Biennale to observe traditional methods as adaptive forms that can still be used in modern society.

Forecast (2016/2016) by Design Team: Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Curator: Victoria Broackes, Administering Body: Victoria and Albert MuseumLondon Design Biennale

United Kingdom

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby's installation 'Forecast' moves with the wind, evoking the UK's nautical history and its future use of renewable energy. "Today, the UK is a world leader in offshore wind energy. Forecast is intended to reference this and highlight the opportunity for a more sustainable future."

The Immerson Room (2016/2016) by Design Team: Cooper Hewitt; Local Projects, Curator: Gregory Herringshaw, Administering Body: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design MuseumLondon Design Biennale

United States of America

'The Immersion Room', an interactive installation of digitised wallpapers from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum's collection, illustrates how we can create ideas of utopia within our own home. Greg Herringshaw, Cooper Hewitt's Curator of Wallcoverings says "whether the vision of utopia is surrounding oneself with master artworks, views of foreign lands or secret gardens, luxe surfacing or Brutalist environs, wallpapers can convert the simplest interiors into any of these ideas."

Credits: Story

The London Design Biennale thanks our partners and supporters who made the first Biennale possible:

Headline Partner: Jaguar
Major Partner: Somerset House

With thanks to the Biennale team:

President: Sir John Sorrell CBE
Director: Dr Christopher Turner
Executive Director: Ben Evans
Operations Director: Ruth Dillon
International Relations Managers: Martha Pym and Kathryn Simpson
Project Consultant: Joanne Dodd
Project Manager: Sara Black
Project Assistant: Mary Angove
Events Manager: Eleni Kaponis
Marketing: Chris McGill and Jo Lee
PR and Communications: Brunswick Arts
Graphic Design and Identity: Pentagram

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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