By Maria Bregman, Contributor
The UK is a global leader in design, with a vibrant and diverse creative sector that spans from fashion to architecture, from graphic design to gaming, and from product design to digital media. In 2024, the UK is showcasing its design excellence and innovation in various events and exhibitions, both at home and abroad. Here are some of the highlights of the UK design scene in 2024.
Design Biennale at Somerset House
The Design Biennale is a prestigious international event that celebrates the most innovative and influential design from around the world. The third edition of the biennale will take place at Somerset House in London from 1 to 27 February 2024, with the theme of “Resonance”. The biennale will explore how design can create meaningful connections and positive change in a complex and uncertain world. The biennale will feature over 50 pavilions from different countries and regions, as well as a curated programme of talks, workshops, and performances. The biennale will also present the Design Medal, a prestigious award that recognises the outstanding achievements and contributions of a designer or a design team. Design Biennale will be a must-see event for anyone interested in the power and potential of design.
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week is one of the four major fashion weeks in the world, along with New York, Paris, and Milan. It is a biannual event that showcases the latest collections and trends from the best British and international designers. London Fashion Week is not only a platform for the fashion industry, but also a cultural and social phenomenon that attracts celebrities, influencers, media, and consumers. London Fashion Week in 2024 will take place from 15 to 19 September, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the British Fashion Council, the organisation that supports and promotes the British fashion industry. London Fashion Week will celebrate the past, present, and future of British fashion, with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and innovation. London Fashion Week will be a spectacular and inspiring event that will showcase the creativity and excellence of the UK fashion scene.
Glasgow School of Art: Reopening After Fire
The Glasgow School of Art is one of the most prestigious and influential art schools in the world, with a history of producing some of the most renowned artists and designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret Macdonald, David Shrigley, and Douglas Gordon. The school’s iconic building, designed by Mackintosh himself, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. However, the building suffered two devastating fires in 2014 and 2018, which destroyed most of its interior and exterior. The building is currently undergoing a major restoration project, led by the architectural firm Page\Park, which aims to restore the building to its original glory and functionality. The project is expected to be completed by 2024, and the school plans to reopen the building to the public and students in the autumn of that year. The reopening of the Glasgow School of Art will be a momentous occasion that will mark the rebirth of a cultural and educational icon. Glasgow School of Art will be a testament to the resilience and excellence of the UK design community.
UK Pavilion at Expo 2024 in Dubai
The UK Pavilion at Expo 2024 in Dubai is a stunning example of how design can combine art, science, and technology to create a memorable and meaningful experience. The pavilion, designed by the award-winning architect Es Devlin, is inspired by the theme of “Innovating for a Shared Future” and features a giant sculptural poem that is crowdsourced from millions of people around the world. The poem, which changes every day, is projected onto the facade of the pavilion, creating a dynamic and interactive display of words and images. The pavilion also showcases the UK’s achievements and aspirations in various fields, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration.