Conde Nast, House & Garden. August 2014:41 |
100% Design South Africa took place at Gallagher Convention Centre over
the weekend (6 -10 August 2014). The renowned international design exhibition
was presented in association with Dauphin, Human Design Group, and Conde Nast
House & Garden. Taking place in Africa for the first time, it ran alongside
Decorex Joburg, featuring forward-thinking design from leading contemporary
South African and international exhibitors.
(All photographs by the blogger)
(All photographs by the blogger)
Conde Nast, House & Garden. August 2014:53 |
100% Design South Africa was
without a doubt Johannesburg’s premier design event of the year (thus far), featuring
designers and design companies from the residential, hospitality, office, interior
design industries, as well as a huge selection of amazing product designers.
Lisa Firer (Image on the left), FADA graduate and UJ Alumnus, and her team Rebecca Khusu, Hilda Njokwana working on her pendant-light range for 100% Design SA, as featured in the latest issue of the Decor Magazine Conde Nast, House and Garden.
Carol Weaving, Laurence Brick and Cathy O'Clery. |
'100% Design South Africa is an
international showcase for contemporary design with a unique African
perspective. Running alongside the well-established and largest home show on
the continent, Decorex SA, which last year saw just over 54,000 people through
the doors. ‘100% Design started in London and has become the leading go-to
exhibition for forward-thinking design. Following exhibitions in Tokyo and
Singapore it was felt that the time was right to open on the African continent
and South Africa – the gateway for business throughout the continent - is the
prime place to host this event'. Cairey
Baxter-Bruce Exhibition Director - explained why the exhibition came
to South Africa (Countdown to the first 100% Design South Africa).
'We are planning not just an exhibition of great products but a visual
feast of interactive, specially commissioned features which will help push the
boundaries of design thinking in South Africa and beyond. From emerging talent
to the big hitters we have designed a show where everyone gets the appropriate
setting to promote their designs'. Laurence Brick, Creative Director 100%
Design - as cited in the article Countdown to the first 100% Design South Africa.
'The continent is at a very dynamic moment in design and is set to become
a place to watch in the coming years. Africa designers are totally conscious of
the bigger design world and are beginning to be confident in offering their
take. There is a creative restlessness here - people are tapping into the rich
design resources and references Africa has in droves and adapting them to urban
contemporary living'. Cathy O’Clery.100%
Design South Africa, Programmes Director as cited in the article Countdown to the first 100% Design South Africa.
Robin Sprong Wallpaper, Surface Design and Photography. |
'The moment is right to launch a show specifically for
the design industry as Africa enters a new era of growth and business
development. 100% Design is a brand which denotes a certain level and high
standard and the continent is ready to match that benchmark of quality.
Alan Epstein Designer Maker Uj Alumnus |
Many
sub-Saharan African countries are in the midst of a huge boom and with that
comes development in hospitality, residential and office developments right
across the continent. We are so delighted to be bringing this magnificent
exhibition to South Africa'. Carol
Weaving, Managing Director of Thebe Reed Exhibitions - explained why the
show was launched at an opportune moment for African design. As citedin the article Countdown to the first 100% Design South Africa.
I made my way to the event on Sunday afternoon, spending a good two to
three hours talking to FADA graduates; UJ design Alumni, showcasing their latest
designs and products. Although the UJ
Ceramic Department was closed down a number of years ago, ceramics took centre
stage at this years premier design event – ceramists being awarded a number of
prizes including best product design.
The LONGTABLE – a collaboration of 14 SA
ceramists included well know ceramists Nic Sithole, Andile Dyalvane, Mervyn
Gers and the talented and master craftsperson Anthony Shapiro, took first prize
in the Category Best Product Design.
The stand was coordinated by ART in the Forest incorporating a broad range of
ceramic products in a wide variety of ceramic techniques and methods of construction
including surface decoration.
The unique display consisted of wallpaper images
of forests emulating the surroundings of the Cape Town based studio, ART in a
Forest. Lisa Firer and Samantha Read (images above and below),
both ceramic graduates from the TWR’s Ceramic studio* on the old Doornfontein
Campus, made product design contributions. (The Technikon Witwatersrand [TWR] merged
with Die Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit [RAU] to form the University of
Johannesburg.
Lisa Firer (FADA Ceramic Graduate and UJ Alumnus) also showcased
her latest range of handmade light fittings or more appropriately stated – an elaborately hand crafted ceramic chandelier. Handcrafted in porcelain, each item explores a
range of surface decoration options; from colouring the porcelain (marbling),
to pressing or carving into the surface, creating a diverse range of surface
textures - glowing in the light, exploiting the translucent qualities of this
age old ceramic material. Liza took 3rd place for her creative
design in the category Best Lighting
Design. Lisa Firer Design - 0825587106.
Another FADA Ceramic
Graduate and UJ Alumnus, Phillipa du Toit (Waldie), and Werner du Toit from The MUD STUDIO took first prize in the Best Surface Design. The team created a
range of richly decorated ceramic tiles; the bronze glaze, gold and silver
lustered surfaces emulating the packaging and decadence associated with
irresistible chocolates. Gaudy but nice is the best way to describe their stand
– a display bursting with product ideas, showcasing their diverse skills and creativity. Follow the link to view their wide range of products and design achievements.
The Bespoke furniture and Interior Design Studio TONIC impressed with their new range of furniture with glossy lacquered
and tarnished metal surfaces.
The design team, both UJ Alumni, Interior Design
graduates, Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe, have reached the peak of their design creativity - especially in
terms of their attention to detail. Exploiting their fine design talent, they
continue to develop and produce sophisticated and masterfully manufactured
furniture. In a league of their own, they have established a SA brand to be
proud of. Their furniture designs are minimalistic in form and shape, the surfaces
however is a celebration of pure opulence, creating design statements that are
sleek, sophisticated & chic.
Best Product Design was awarded to Art in The Forest for the collection
of 14 ceramicists on one table. The award covers any product, in ceramic,
glass, plastic, metal or paper - iamge below.
Best Surface Design was awarded to Mud Studio for their new ceramic
bronze tile range. The award covers wallpaper, textiles or any decorative
surface on a piece of furniture or product design – both local and
international - image above.
Best Textile Design was awarded to Evolution Designs for their historical
flora print collection. The award covers any printed, woven or 3-dimensional
textile-related product, both local and international.
Best Lighting Design was awarded to Willow Lamp for their cascading
chandeliers. This award covers any electrical lighting design, local and
international - image above and below.
Best Furniture Design was awarded to Meyer Von Weilligh for their Mud
Cabinet based on the dry riverbed cracked mud, made from walnut and mild steel.
This award covers any furniture piece over 500x500mm - both local and
international.
Best Interior Design on a stand was awarded to Head
Interiors for their contemporary take on a luxury game lodge. The award covers
any interior designed room-scape on a stand.
The Condé Nast House & Garden Award for Production Excellence in
South African Design was awarded to Wiid Design for the furniture and
lighting on the Spier Cork Creative Bar in association with Amorim Cork.
This award covers any South African product in any of the above
categories which the judges deem to be of superb quality in design and
production.
The judges were Liz Morris, editor of Conde Nast House & Garden,
David Trubridge, a New Zealand-based lighting designer and Lisebo Mokhesi and
George Boorsma of Ink Design Lab. As cited at EasyDIY.co.za
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