London Design Biennale 2025: Seven Pavilions Reimagined as Vibrant Design Lessons
London's June wouldn't feel complete without a generous helping of creative inspiration, and this month is no exception. The fifth edition of the much-loved London Design Biennale, inaugurated on June 5, is filling the British capital with run-of-the-mill design exhibitions that you'll want to catch. With its theme of "Surface Reflections," this year's event, under the artistic direction of Samuel Ross MBE, invites us to take a deep, introspective look at our unique perspectives, stories, and histories, aiming to highlight how design can connect various industries, political landscapes, and humanity as a whole.
Ross's take on the Biennale, launched during his unveiling speech, is a call to consider our shared interests, sense of self, and humanity. This year's showcase, encompassing 40 eye-catching pavilions centered around specific nations, collective research projects, international collaborations, or solo creatives, spans a wide range of fields, including design, culture, science, and technology.
One of our favorite stops at the London Design Biennale 2025 was the University of Tokyo's SEKISUI HOUSE - KUMA LAB-created installation, Paper Clouds: Materiality in Empty Space. This charming, floaty project explores the traditional Japanese art of Washi paper, and how it could redefine architecture and fashion by blending lightness, resilience, and inner strength. Led by stylish violinist and composer Midori Komachi, decked out in a dress made from the same material, this delicate, soaring cloud-like structure captivated us with its organic form, with the teardrop-shaped mirrors on the floor and the original music piece accompanying it creating an immersive experience that was hard to forget. Not only does this pavilion serve as a testament to the magic of modern interior design when incorporating naturally sourced, ancient materials, but it also showcases the power of a fusion of art forms to breathe new life into this 18th-century space.
Another installation that left a lasting impression on us was Oman's Memory Grid. Designed by architect Haitham Al-Busafi, this must-see pavilion takes multiple dimensions and merges them into a thought-provoking exploration of heritage and transformation. As visitors walk through its passageway, neon blue lights creates a sci-fi vibe, while the checkered structure holds transparent vases that evoke the fragility of both the data we constantly share on social media and ourselves. Al-Busafi's project demonstrates why we shouldn't abandon Traditional crafts, but instead let them evolve with the times, as seen in his 3D printer-assisted pottery reinterpretation. It's a moving testament to the importance of preserving our history while inspiring a fresh perspective on our world.
As you explore the countless wonders of the London Design Biennale, don't forget to check out the V&A's exciting new outpost, the Victoria & Albert East Storehouse, or take a bow before the awe-inspiring Serpentine Pavilion 2025 by Marina Tabassum, located at the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens. Get ready to immerse yourself in groundbreaking designs that bridge the gap between yesterday, today, and tomorrow while keeping sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage front and center.
- The University of Tokyo's SEKISUI HOUSE - KUMA LAB-created installation, Paper Clouds, showcases the potential of traditional Japanese Washi paper to reshape both architecture and fashion, through a blend of lightness, resilience, and inner strength.
- The Texas A&M University pavilion, dubbed 'Reflecting On the Future,' uses a combination of furniture, decor, and technology to highlight the importance of inclusivity in interior design, reflecting on the role of technology in shaping our lifestyles, home-and-garden aesthetics, and societal connections.
- The North Korean pavilion, titled 'Korean Artisans: Expressing Our Heritage,' is an ode to traditional Korean craftsmanship, featuring intricate tiles and textures that add a touch of art to the space, demonstrating the enduring relevance of traditional techniques in contemporary design.
- The gallery space dedicated to the works of British artist, Damien Hirst, known for his manipulation of color, texture, and materials, offers a striking juxtaposition of interior design and decor with the creative themes of modern art.
- The outdoor living area at the biennale, designed by the Royal Horticultural Society, boasts a harmonious blend of plants, furniture, and decor, encouraging visitors to explore the relationship between outdoor spaces and interior design.
- With innovative designs on display, the London Design Biennale 2025 invites participants to ponder on the evolution of design, as it seamlessly melds with other industries such as science, technology, and art, transforming our homes, our gardens, and ultimately, our lifestyles.
