Event Review: Pretty in pink

From 22-24 May, the Clerkenwell area in the UK capital was awash with CDW’s distinct pink colour scheme as it played host to a packed programme including fringe events, showroom presentations, workshops, talks and public-facing installations.

As usual, commissioned installations were located at high profile spaces throughout Clerkenwell featuring leading names in design, engineering and architecture. The key theme this year was sustainability. On offer was an eclectic bunch which included a new lease of life for old totes bags with customised printing; a kaleidoscopic oculus designed by school students inviting visitors to gaze upwards and become more aware of the natural elements surrounding them; polystyrene ‘beacons’ created to highlight its 100% recyclability benefits; Pipe Line pieces offering a new and colourful approach to street furniture such as bike racks and benches by design graduate Lou Corio Randall; and finally, in celebration of the royal wedding, start-up Kinetech Design created a foldable structure inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and Elizabethan ruffs.

Keeping well

Well-being and a healthy workplace were once again at the fore of CDW as offices continue to transform into open plan spaces. Living walls were popular, featuring different types of moss and foliage. Cornwall-based office furniture brand MARK, in collaboration with Oasis Interior Landscaping, offered an interesting addition: it demonstrated its new range which features living plants incorporated directly into the furniture.

Soundproofing and quiet areas were all the rage, with CDW visitors making use of both The Meeting Pod Co’s and Nook Pod’s meeting spaces.

There was also plenty of innovation in terms of office wall coverings — 3D woven acoustic panels from Casalis, for example — and general office furniture. Tacchini wowed with its quirky lighting designs and sumptuous furniture, while The Collective Agency’s modular break out furniture stood out from the crowd.

British office furniture firm Dams displayed its latest collections covering breakout areas and agile working, along with its new modern looking Kastaway range. Meanwhile, Bisley opened the doors to its new showroom in Clerkenwell, showcasing its flexible workspace solutions and ready-to-go storage range.