Hello! Hello! CDW Festival is Here!

The sun is out and this is a sign that the Clerkenwell design Festival is time. At the end of May, every year, part of London turns into paradise for all design lovers. Unfortunately, our current world is closed for all activities and the festival has thus been postponed to the next year.

But don’t worry, I am here to save you from this design drought by taking you back in time, to a previous edition of this event. Because, although you cannot physically be close to the art, the art can still be close to your soul.

Firstly, a bit of introduction…

The Clerkenwell is a district in North London between Angel and Farrington Underground Station. A characteristic feature of this area is its artistic vibe and high number of design-studios, showrooms & galleries.

This is the place our festival calls home. Its main focus is furniture, lighting and everything you need to make a stunning home. If you are looking around and thinking there is a lot to improve within your four walls then this is the place for you. During the festival almost all showrooms are opened for public views. This is the only time in the year, you are permitted to go, browse around and ask a lot of questions without an intention to spend even a Pound. SO no need to feel awkward! Simply put: this is perfect time for me!

The CDW also brings contemporary installations which make the streets of London even more magical. This is my favourite part of the festival. I am, thus, going to introduce you to a few amazing pieces of art from the two last festivals.

Ready? Set! Go..!

Behind Closed Doors 2018

Author: Hakwood in partnership with Shape London.

The project was created with collaboration of Hakwood company – specialises in manufacturing and designing wood flooring and Shape London – interior design company. The installation shows a town home with multiple small doors which gest can open to discover fascinating life behind them. Personally, this was the best installation in 2018. Great design and great idea!

Next Generation Design Festival 2018

Author: Scale Rule

The structure represent paste, present and future as a respond to theme of sustainability. An author wxplain that this metaphoric kaleidoscopic oculus asks a visitor to look above and become more aware about nature around. This project is a result of a collaborative workshop led by volunteer-industry professionals and students from London.

A Piece Of Sky

Author: Stephan Huerleman

Have you ever imagined what it's like to be in space? If yes, this installation aims to help. Now, you can look at the earth from the orbit and escape from reality. The real sound of earth, recorded by NASA, and quotes from astronauts are played in the background.

Pipe Line 2018

Author: Lou Corio Randali

Another great design is the Pipe Line. This is a completely new approach to street furniture which is proof that our cities do not need to be grey, sad and boring. These pieces are made of a single pink pipe which appears to grow from the ground, twist to the shape of the object and disappearing in the ground again. Magic?

Are you tired? Unfortunately, we aren't taking a break and quickly jump to next year to see much, much more…

Once Upon A Time 2019

Author: In collaboration with UAL, in partnership with Lansdown’s London

This is another example how to make our cities more friendly. Students from UAL decided to interpret stories of six locations and create series of graphical installation to bring them back to life.

BottleHouse 2019

Do you know that every minute 1 million plastic bottles are sold all over the world? That’s about 20 000 every second. Have you ever thought of what happens with discarded empty/used plastic bottles?

Once these bottles are empty, they become worthless waist. As we all know only a small percentage of plastic is recycle.

What happens to the rest? Hopefully, we are all aware the remaining plastic-waste is accumulated in our oceans, rivers and ground. The BottleHouse is trying to find an answer by repeatedly asking the question – "What can we do with empty plastic bottles?".

Decade 2019

In 2019 the CDW celebrated its 10th birthday. And as you know, birthday parties can't exist without birthday candles. Thus, 10 unique celebratory candles were dispersed across the festival ground to remind us of this special moment.