PHOTOS Courtesy of Decorex Africa
By emphasising technology, evolution, and sustainability, Decorex Africa‘s Future of Design takes a deep dive into the forefront of creativity and innovation, revealing the exciting path that lies ahead.
Decorex Cape Town is set to present a visionary display of the Future of Design in collaboration with Wunders, combining captivating physical and digital exhibits, interactive workshops, and live demonstrations. Acting as a precursor to a much bigger theatre and curated exhibition, The Future of Design will take centre stage at the combined Design Joburg/100% Design Africa Hall at Decorex Joburg
“We believe that design is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future,” says Sandra Barrow, Decorex Africa’s Portfolio Director.
With the rapid advancement of technology and the ever-evolving concepts of sustainability and social responsibility, the design industry must adapt and foster innovation to address emerging challenges. Over the course of four days, Cape Town attendees who purchase general admission tickets to the show can immerse themselves in interactive installations showcased alongside the captivating free talks by industry experts.
The Future of Design Studio
At the Future of Design Studio, located on the show floor, an impressive lineup of South Africa’s top design authorities will engage in talks about some of the most pressing issues currently facing the design industry and reveal the approach they are taking to future-proof their output. Expect to hear from notable speakers, including:
- Georgia Black from Littlegig
- Hannerie Visser from Studio H
- Greg Truen of SAOTA
- Anja Joubert from Superbalist
- Kevin Frankental from Lemon
- Bathandwa Ngwendu from Maak ’n Plan
- Tracy Lee Lynch from Studio Leelynch
- architect Robert Silke
- Hardy McQueen from Nice Beverage Co
- commercial director Steve Tanchel
- Kay Kay Ribane from USURPA
VISI editor, Steve Smith will be hosting two panel discussions:
Thurs 22nd at 16:15pm: “Circular Design”
- Ann Lamont – chair & head of the V&A’s Ocean Cluster, and Exec Chair Two Oceans Aquarium
- Jasper Eales – co-founder of Sealand
- Laurie van Heerden – owner of Wiid Design
Friday 23rd at 12:00pm: “Cape Town’s New Wave Of Designers”
- Anthony Whitaker – director & co-founder of Hoop
- Ploy Phiromnam – owner Hoi P’loy
- Gabriel Hope – owner of Ex Hotel
The Future of Design Exhibition
The Future of Design Exhibition sits alongside the Studio and features 10 riveting exhibitors who will cover anything from next-gen talent to rediscovered food sources, including:
Emerging African designers
Through a vibrant display of physical and digital creations, a new generation of African designers will showcase their talent, showcasing how Africa is reshaping the future of design through innovation and fresh perspectives. They are harnessing the cultural authenticity of design by revitalising customary methodologies in order to design sustainable solutions and products that resonate with a broad audience.
Don’t Feed the Birds
A versatile grain with 10 different types is making a strong comeback in 2023, the International Year of Millets. This under-utilised food is gaining popularity for its potential to help combat health-related diseases, and food-security and climate-change issues – not to mention it adds a delightful flavour to various dishes, from cakes to beer.
To highlight the importance of millets, Studio H is introducing a groundbreaking millet report through an immersive and interactive installation titled ‘Don’t Feed the Birds.’ The title draws attention to the unfortunate fact that it’s almost impossible to find millets fit for human consumption in South Africa – most of the millets available are processed as animal feed, and the easiest way to purchase them is as bird food in supermarkets.
Additive printing demonstrations
Drip Additive is set to impress by live-demonstrating its latest 3D-printed homeware. From vases to other exquisite objets d’art, these unique and creative homeware items will come to life right before your eyes.
Back to the future
Exciting news for Frystark lovers – the classic collectible brand is relaunching at the show.
In 1948, Frystark’s fine furniture made its debut in South Africa, and its Danish-style pieces quickly gained popularity in the 1950s and ’60s. Today, many mid-century enthusiasts can proudly say they own an original Frystark.
Art in the house
Prepare to be captivated as FEDE, an innovative arthouse and ‘nomadic gallery,’ unveils an extraordinary exhibition curated by the esteemed artist Lebo Kekana. The exhibit will feature an array of stunning works centred around vernacular architecture. Aimed at highlighting the use of indigenous materials, this offering seeks to honour traditional methods of making and their evolution into the contemporary art and design world, reflecting the environmental, cultural and historical context in which we now exist.
Go slow
Twyg is a not-for-profit company that creates content, events and campaigns to promote a way of being that is sustainable, circular, regenerative, caring and ethical. The Twyg team will present a Slow Fashion exhibition with the aim of advocating for environmental and social justice in the fashion industry.
Cape Town Decor & Design Week, taking place across the Mother City from 19 to 25 June 2023. Decorex Cape Town runs alongside the inaugural Cape Town Decor & Design Week from 22 to 25 June 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For more information and tickets, visit Decorex, 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg.
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