Milan - a stylish, historical city with an incongruous mix of architecture, friendly inhabitants, half of whom seem to own dachshunds, frescoes in still functional spaces contrasting with the prolific graffiti and rattling yellow trams /

Of all our suppliers, e15 have introduced an extraordinary range of products this year. Following their release of the Enoki side tables, Sloane dining table and Araq cabinets in Cologne in January, they brought an inspiring collection of re-editions of Ferdinand Kramer's designs to Milan. For details of all 8 designs see our New Products page and we'll be posting more details of the history of the designs here on the blog soon /

A number of manufacturers are using concrete or composite stone materials for table tops - three of our favourites are Robin by Bruno Fattorini & Partners for MDF Italia, Baguette by the Bouroullecs for Magis and Boiacca by LucidiPevere for Kristalia /

A theme emerged of simple, elegant products, especially chairs, where the construction was evident as part of the design rather than being hidden in the final finish /

Pila by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Magis /

Also by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Osso for Mattiazzi and Profile by Sylvain Willenz for Stattmann Neue Moebel

Carl Hansen reintroduce the CH33 chair by Hans Wegner with an option to combine different woods /

Following their brand launch at last year's London Design Festival, New Zealand manufacturer Resident will be distributing their clean, crafted and functional products from a hub in the U.K. /

The welcome trend of reintroducing 20th century classics from designers such as Ferdinand Kramer and Hans Wegner is continued by Artek with their re-edition of Ilmari Tapiovaara's Kiki collection from 1960 /

It's worth keeping an eye on the Satellite show at the Salone del Mobile, which shows the work of emerging designers from around the world. Often the quality of the products, such as Fukuroo's Bai chair, are not so far off that of long established producers like Alias, above left with Patrick Norguet's Kobi chair /

Light and functional, the MIA collection from Jean Nouvel for EMU is perfect for any application, whether domestic or contract, indoors or out. The chair can be suspended from the table by it's flat arm for easy tidying and cleaning - perfect for cafes and restaurants /

With a concentration on natural, environmentally sensitive materials and a broadening scope in fabric design seems to come a new approach to colour. With a quick browse of our New Products page you can see how manufacturers are using surprising contrasts which attract the attention, also illustrated by Doshi Levien's dressing table for BD Barcelona (below right) /

The shady courtyards of Milan are always a welcome place to take a rest from all the bustle of needing to get from one show to the next, usually on foot, and also a great way for manufacturers like Paola Lenti to show their outdoor products in use /

One of our favourite courtyards that we visit each year is at the centre of Spazio Rossana Orlandi (below), a hive of studios, events and exhibits full of life and activity /

Bocci were showing their new 38 series at Rossana Orlandi, with a surreal mix of lighting and plants within a tangle of intertwined copper tubing /

A number of exhibitors used large drifts of lights to great effect, such as with Tom Dixon or the use of new OLED technology at the Triennale and Nendo's black mesh installation over an archetypal Milanese mosaic floor /

Planning our trip and piecing together what we want to see, what we hope to see and know we may not have time, what other people have heard about (particularly what parties are on each evening) is always a great excitement. With a recession on it's inspiring to see people going about their business, sometimes looking to the past for help from designers no longer around, yet with an honest desire to bring their designs back to life. With so many new designers (such as Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, below) and students showing their work at the Satellite or in the events around the Lambrate region, you can see an intrinsic need in people to be creative and, more often these days, to do so with consideration to the impact that the products have on their environment /

Having already released exciting new products earlier in the year in Cologne, such as the Enoki side tables and Sloane dining table, e15 continue to surprise with an exceptional collection of re-editions by renowned modernist architect and designer Ferdinand Kramer. Working closely with Kramer’s family and the archives, e15 debuts eight iconic designs from various creative periods of the German architect, beginning from 1925 to 1959.

Maruni were exhibiting at the Salone del Mobile and showed new developments from Naoto Fukasawa, with an upholstered version of the Roundish chair, and a new stool by Jasper Morrison /

Montis were also at the Salone del Mobile and were showing a range of new products from the stacking dining chair Calla, lounge chairs Dickens and Dimsum, dining table Disq and an elegant new sofa, Gino /

Pastoe showed the new Shift cabinets by Scholten & Baijings at the Agape 12 Concept Store in Via Statuto. Shift combines a minimalist shape with an expressive use of colour. Thanks to its translucent sliding doors, an intriguing play of colours occurs when the cabinet is opened and closed /

How our future will be shaped by food and design has always been a source of debate. Today, our over reliance on non-renewable energy and materials, ever increasing levels of consumption levels  and our attitude to waste are just a few examples of the issues exacerbated by current methods of sourcing and manufacture. Put frankly, we can, and should do better.

Potential solutions tend to fit into two camps. On one side are the advocates of craft who herald a localised approach to sourcing food and materials, and a return to traditional methods of production. On the other, the advocates of technology, not just the lobbyists hired by global manufacturers and agrifood companies, but also a growing band of scientists and designers seeking completely new ways to engender sustainable supply and demand.

This post looks at a few examples from both sides of the debate. The common thread between them is an innovative approach to sourcing either food or materials (and in some cases both). We hope you find them as interesting as we do.

Joost Bakker : Greenhouse /

As part of this year's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Joost Bakker built this popup cafe. Although pop-ups are certainly nothing new, (and this is in fact the third incarnation of this particular pop-up) what makes this one special is it's eco credentials and attention to detail. The Greenhouse is built from recycled materials and produces no waste whatsoever, even the human waste from the urinals is saved to be used as fertilizer for next year's crop. In terms of the food itself, everything is considered, the flour for pasta and bread is milled onsite daily, strawberries grow on the vertical garden walls, herbs and salad on the roof and all other produce is a locally sourced as possible. The plan is to eventually apply the lessons learned from the pop-ups on a permanent site.

byjoost.com

Christien Meindertsma : The Flax Project /

Perhaps best known for her project Pig 05049, since 2009 Meindertsma has been working alongside local craftspeople and farmers in her native Holland to create a series of objects made from flax and wood. The philosophy behind the project is to create objects that are completely locally sourced from seed through to the final product. Flax was historically one of Holland's biggest exports and by embracing traditional materials and craft techniques Meindertsma is returning a small pocket of the Dutch landscape to it's former life.

www.christienmeindertsma.com 

The Russet /

The Russet is a cafe and arts venue based in Hackney Downs Studio. As much of the produce is made and grown in the borough as possible and everything else is sourced from nearby. Even their soft drinks are made in house and have names like "Dalston Cola" and "Ginger Fiyah". Founded by Steve Wilson who is heavily involved in the popular Dalston People's Kitchen, Wilson is also a passionate food waste campaigner which means the Russet also hosts Freegan events such as the "Forgotten Feast", where the menu is made from surplus & discarded food that would otherwise be consigned to landfill. If this sounds unappealing, check out the menu for the last event, we reckon it will win you over....

The Russet Website

Alexander Groves, Kieran Jones and Azusa Murakami : The Sea Chair Project /

Spotted last year as part of Sustain RCA this project is a thoughtful example of how design could help the fishing industry deal with the issue of accumulating plastic waste in oceans. The proposal is to convert a retired fishing trawler into a mobile chair manufacturing plant, the raw material would be waste plastic trawled from the ocean and would put directly into manufacture on the boat. If put into practice this could not only improver the conditions of our oceans but also provide a source of alternative employment for skilled UK fishermen in increasingly tough times. 

See their full proposal here.

Something & Son : FARM:shop /

Located in a once derelict shop in Dalston, FARM:shop is an experimental urban food hub and community space. Within the walls, roof and garden of the building are hyrdroponic indoor allotment, rooftop chicken coop, an 'acquaponic' micro fish farm and polytunnels for growing vegetables. The space is the brainchild of Something & Son, who run the space in association with Hackney council and a troop of volunteers. The space is also used for events such as the  Trade School where you can "barter for knowledge" offering your skills and objects in exchange for the skills and knowledge of others. FARM:shop is a brilliant example of just how food can be used as a basis for bringing communities together.

FARM:shop website

Marcelo Coehlo + MIT Fablab : Edible Printing /

Anyone who read the recent interview in Icon Magazine with Coehlo could not fail to be intrigued. At present this is simply a machine which prints chocolate to order, which to be honest is incredibly similar to machines already used in industrial food processing. However the potential of this technology within the home is where it gets interesting, edible printing would enable us to communicate using food, you could send a loved one living on the other side of the world a birthday cake or a taste of home. It also changes the role of the chef from a hands on role to that of curator.

Max Lamb : The Pewter Project /

Max Lamb's work often involves the use of materials local to the area in which his work is commisioned. With the Pewter Project he has taken a material traditionally sourced in Cornwall, Pewter, and created a series of products using sand casting techniques on local Caerhays beach. The result here is a dining table crafted using only the fuel used to power the mobile heaters that melt the pewter. This project doesn't just tip it's hat to the materials and technques of the past, it also provides a potential blueprint for small scale producers encoruaging use of the local environment as well as local materials to create the objects we consume.

www.maxlamb.org

A Lettuce A Drop : Pauline Vierne /

Part of the Steam Cells project, Vierne is asking what will happen in the future if we are no longer able to farm? Can our nutritious requirements be met by Laboratories? Could we end up purchasing sustenance in pharmaceutical capsules? The image shown above somehow manages to make the idea seem appealing, although in practice we suspect not.

Steam Cells Project Blog

Insects Au Gratin : Susanna Soares, Steak Studio and Pestival /

'Insects Au Gratin' looks at alternatives to our current diet. By combining 3D printing technology and the use of insects as an alernative source of protein. It looks not just at how we can feed ourselves in a world of depleteing natural resources but also our perceptions of food and nourishment. An insect is actually a far more efficient source of protein: "100 kg of feed produces 40 kg of crickets, but only 10 kg of beef."

www.susansoares.com

www.sciencegallery.com/edible

e5 Bakehouse / 

The e5 Bakehouse is an artisan bakery and cafe located in London Fields, Hackney. Nestled in an archway underneath the railway tracks Ben MacKinnon and his team bake fresh bread each day to supply local businesses and residents. The bread is made from locally milled flour and they try to reduce as much of their wastage as possible, they also do all their deliveries by bicycle. Not just a working bakery, they also teach breadmaking classes and work with other artisan producers across the city to create a collaborative network of producers.

www.e5bakehouse.com

Post by Claire Gittins.

Our latest exhibition, Show 4 - Food and Chairs Shared, will look at the relationship between food and

design. Viaductʼ s founder, James Mair, has challenged his community of local Clerkenwell chefs to

devise a menu according to each of the fifteen chair designs he has selected. The chefs include Fergus

Henderson, St.John; Sam Clark, Moro; Michael Belben, The Eagle. Each chef devised a menu for each

chair and independently of each other. The resulting menus reveal some curious anomalies.

With 15 menus and 15 contemporary classic chairs on show, you can see the minds of these great chefs

at work. The chairs range from Carbon chair designed by Bertjan Pot and Marcel Wanders for Moooi,

Basel Chair designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra and Eames DSR chair designed by Ray and Charles

Eames for Vitra.

James Mair believes that there is a correlation between food and design: whether it is how a good

restaurant can regenerate an area to the practicalities of selecting seating for eating in both homes and

restaurants. We would like to see how the public react to the exhibition; from school children to

architects, what people think of the menu and chair combinations, and their opinions on how design and

great food can improve the quality of life.

Please join us to see the results...

Friday 23rd March to Friday 13th April 2012.

Viaduct Showroom
1-10 Summers Street

London EC1R 5BD

Text by Julienne Webster & Emma McNiven at Industry Publicity

The strength of Qubique is without a doubt it's location. Berlin is a veritable hotbed of creative activity and it's reputation as the best city in Europe for nightlife is also well founded. Needless to say you don't need much of an excuse to convince London's design community to relocate there for a few days, ourselves included.

The Qubique fair has much potential. Due to it's timing which is post London Design Festival and naturally Milan, the products were not new as such, but they were very beautifully presented. The selection of exhibitors was well thought out and nicely curated. If we are honest, Tempelhof Airport itself emerges as the star of the show, a colossal space filled with evidence of it's former life, well worn Pan Am logos sit aside old restaurant signage and the vast aircraft hangers give you an cheeky sense of trespassing. We got the distinct impression that Qubique will find a niche for itself in the years to come. 

We also visited Designers Open, a smaller affair in Leipzig, located an hours train jorney from Berlin. The focus there was more on emerging designer/makers and recent design graduates. Leipzig itself is a like a minature version of the capital, with a vibrant creative community located in the old brewery area. Highlights included the Hockenheimer Stool by NJU Studio, it's tweedy cushions and leather straps juxtapose nicely with the use of old magazines, and Florian Manderscheid's cellulose lampshades.

"During the design festival I travelled around (mainly by bike) and captured as much as I could of the various events and exhibitions held in the capital. I used a combination of a small Muvi HD camera attached to my bike, Sony NEX5 for stop motion and Canon 7D for timelapse. I sure didn't capture even half of what was going on but hope to have shown a little of what was on offer during this week of exceptional design and creativity."

My London Design Festival from Suzie Hogan on Vimeo.

In celebration of our 'Show 3' exhibition which explores current themes in contemporary lighting, we hosted a small gathering entitled the 'Kitchen Table Talk' with delicious food provided by Morito.

Our guest speakers were Magnus Wästberg, Ilse Crawford, Jane Withers and Janet Turner who addressed an audience of architects, product and interior designers on the issues surrounding both current and future lighting practice.

Themes raised include the need to appreciate darkness in order to understand light, the emotional affect of lighting and the use of new technology and sustainable materials.

Filmed and edited by Dan Buck Joyce and Suzie Hogan.

This five and a half mile journey from Burlington Gardens to Vyner St encompasses some of the best London Design Festival has to offer. The walk itself takes around two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time for you to absorb new products, listen to talks and we've even included some of our favourite eateries and bars handily dotted along the way to fuel up en route.

1. 'Ascent' : Barber Osgerby at Haunch of Venison, W1 /

Barber Osgerby are presenting eight new limited edition objects in association with Haunch of Venision. Inspiration for the series originates in childhood memories; "Osgerby grew up close to a Royal Airforce base in Oxfordshire and spent many hours watching the airplanes flying there. Barber developed a fascination with boat design while sailing as a child". The objects have been developed with notions of 'hidden design' and 'engineered craft' in mind.

For more details visit the Haunch of Venison website.

2. Designjunction, WC1 /

Designjunction have a great mix of exhibitors lined up. Ranging from Italian superbrands such as Cassina and Cappellini to an array of British companies including Another Country, Innermost and Benchmark. And last but certainly not least we are there too, showcasing products from e15, Bensen, Maruni and Montis. Modus are presenting one of their Pecha Kucha nights on the Friday which should be fantastic. Another highlight will be the Crafts Council and Textile Artist Lucy Orta's installation. Orta's past work includes Refuge Wear and Body Architecture. The installation at Designjunction 'Block Party' will "poetically reveal the tradition, history, and skills of the tailor, in various contemporary media" it features work by her and fourteen other artists/craftspeople.

Thedesignjunction.co.uk

3. 'Stolen from De Stijl' at Darkroom, WC1 /

What do eclectic design boutique Darkroom have to do with the Rietweld's sketch above I hear you ask? Well, they are launching their A/W 11 range of objects during LDF11, 'unashamedly stealing from the palettes and proportions of the De Stijl movement, and re-working them to create pieces with new direction'. Looking forward to seeing the results, hoping the collection captures the playfulness of Rietweld's Schröder House with it's folding corners and sliding walls.

Darkroom.com

4. Galleria Illy at the Moroso & Flos Showroom, EC1 /

Illy are taking over the Flos/Moroso showroom until mid October. The installation is designed by Michelangelo Pistoletto and will set the scene for some very high profile talks from cultural luminaries such as photographer Martin Parr, designer Patricia Urquiola, Architect David Adjaye and curator and critic Hans-Ulrich Obrist.

To book your tickets for the talks visit the illy galleria website.

5. Show Three at Viaduct, EC1 /

Yes, it is a bit of shameless self plugging, but we are very proud of our new show!

Upstairs is devoted to Ilse Crawford's new lights for Swedish design company Wästberg. Meanwhile downstairs is an exploration of experimental projects, advances in LED technology and the very latest lighting products. Imagine lighting designs from manufacturers as diverse as Molo, Örsjö and Celine Wright sitting next to &Tradition, Moooi and Foscarini.

Young talent will be present in the shape of Alvaro Catalan de Ocon and Tomas Alonso from Spain.

For more details see our dedicated blog post.

6. Designersblock at the Farmiloe Building, EC1 /

Designersblock have a reputation for uncovering innovative designers and placing their work in beautiful, often disused buildings. Part of the ethos behind the project is to draw attention not just to the exhibitors but also to the space itself. Situated in the Farmiloe Building, this year's design crop includes John Galvin (pictured above), REALISE, and POS textiles. There is also an 'Auction Room' curated by Mariana Pestana where ten designers will auction specially designed items, the catch? All the goods must be exchanged and bartered for, no money will change hands - see the trailer here.

Designersblock.com

7. 'My London' curated by Nendo at Established & Sons, N1 /

This is the first installment in Established & Son's 'My London' initiative. A selection of London-based talents and international names from the worlds of design, art and architecture have been invited to work on collaborations, installations and objects that define their idea of the city.

Excitingly, Nendo has been asked to display his interpretation of 'creative London'. Nendo is universally adored by us here at Viaduct, his considered design and lightness of touch always lead to fascinating results, so this is a definite go-to location this year.

Establishedandsons.com

8. Tramshed, EC2 /

Building on the success of last year, Tramshed has an impressive array of exhibitors including Matthew Hilton, Studioisle, Bocci and Örsjö. They will also have a series of seminars debating the design issues of the day. Click the link below for more info.

Tramshed2011.com

9. Tent, E1 /

Following on from it's expansion last year Tent is now even bigger, encompassing a new Superbrands area where Moroso will be exhibiting and also incorporating the Origin Craft Fair over at Spitalfields Market. Tent is always a great place to uncover some young design creativity - last year's collaboration with Kingston University was a great example of this. This year lets hope for more of the same. Highlights for us so far are Roussel Creative's Louis light (pictured above) and A + Z Design.

Tentlondon.co.uk

10. Bar Alto by Design Marketo at Neu Gallery, E2 /

Design Marketo always make us smile and their event this year is no exception. Those of you who have visted Milan during the Salone del Mobile will no doubt be familar with Bar Basso, the legendary drinking den where the great and good of the design world sit and quaff cocktails till the wee small hours. Design Marketo are bringing this concept to London with Bar Alto, a pop up bar on Redchurch St. Featuring new works from Harry Thaler, Ally Capellino and Michael Marriott and rumour has it Bar Basso's owner Maurizio Stocchetto will also be there making their infamous Negroni Sbagliato cocktails behind the bar.

designmarketo.com

11. Revolt/Reform/Result at Rocket Gallery,  E1/

Here at Viaduct we are big fans of Rocket Gallery, their reissued Jens Risom furniture and their great mid century furniture sales have brought them close to our hearts. Revolt/Reform/Result features furniture, books, objects and graphics from the Netherlands dating back to the 50's, 60's and 70's. One of the featured designers is Cees Braakman, who was Head of Design at Pastoe from 1945 to 1978.

For more details visit rocketgallery.com

image via skinnybib.com

12. Rochelle Canteen

You'll have to time this one carefully as Rochelle Canteen is only open weekdays between 11am and 3pm. Hidden behind a security door and in the bike shed of a converted Victorian school, Rochelle Canteen is run by Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, who subscribe to the Nose to Tail eating philosophy of St. John. This comes as no surpise as Margot is in fact married to St. John's founder Fergus Henderson. The menu changes daily and is well priced and delicious, we heartily recommend it.

For the address and today's menu visit Rochelle Canteen website.

13. The Living Room at Luna and Curious E2/

The Living Room will showcase a selection of products, furniture and printed works that have been designed and made in Britain. Bringing together established designers and emerging talent, the exhibition aims to promote British design to a wide audience in a quirky and idiosyncratic setting. Curated by two thoroughly nice chaps, Jonathan Krawczuk and Alyn Griffiths and featuring our very own Chimney Light by Benjamin Hubert. This is a must see if you are a lover of British design.

Livingroomexhibition.co.uk

14. Ombra Selects, E2 /

Ombra recently opened it's doors on an inauspicious corner of Vyner St and has quickly become a local favourite. Specialising in good value authentic Venetian food and drink, and filled with the bright and beautiful furniture of artist Russell Bamber, whats not to like about this place? For LDF Ombra will be hosting an exhibition curated by Bamber of stripped back works by Jim Buddulph, Giles Miller and Viaduct favourite Gitta Gschwendtner. It's the last stop on our trail so grab a seat, order an Aperol Spritzer and congratulate yourself on a job well done.

ombrabar.com

Post by Claire Gittins.

via TED.com