This theme is illustrated throughout the exciting talks programme, which is always one of this trade fair’s hotly-anticipated features. Timber revolutionary Waugh Thistleton Architects is confirmed in the line-up, as are architectural practices Invisible Studio, Palladian London, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and Tate Harmer. Talks touching on how natural materials are being brought into our spaces, the importance of natural learning environments and a hot debate on the pros and cons of designing for countryside vs city.
There is no clearer example of the relationship between urbanism and nature than along the green belt, which was created to protect against the sprawl of London. However, some believe it has become a stranglehold on development. Peter Murray, of New London Architecture who has played a key role in promoting the green belt concept, will use his talk at ARCHITECT@WORK as a platform detailing why he is calling for a review of the idea to ensure it is still fit for purpose.
Landscape Designer and personality Dan Pearson will be ‘in-conversation’ with Journalist Helen Parton as the final talks event. Also on site, RIBA will present its pop-up bookshop, and the Material Driven exhibition is a must-see for all material-o-philes. As a design agency and materials library, Material Driven curates exhibitions by working with both established and emerging material manufacturers, supporting and promoting their journey from prototype to product.
Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the wide variety of manufacturers exhibiting their latest wares at the show. Architects, specifiers and interior/landscape designers can explore the latest product innovations from dozens of exhibitors from all over the world. Leading international architectural product suppliers are showing over 200 innovative products and offering the latest innovations in surface solutions, lighting technology as well as interior and exterior fixtures and fittings. All exhibitors go through a rigorous selection process, with an external judging panel overseeing the product selection, to ensure that this is one of the UK’s most highly respected trade shows of its kind. This two-day event allows visitors to get a deeper understanding of how particular new products can add value within both large- and small-scale projects.
Product categories:
Carcass/building envelope
Exterior joinery, facade and exterior cladding, insulation, air- and watertightness, roof construction, load-bearing structures, roof covering, drainage and rainwater systems.
Building systems
Fixed lighting, sanitaryware, heating, air conditioning, electricity and controls, plumbing and renewable energy.
Interior finishing
Interior layout/design, interior joinery, floor coverings, wall coverings, partition walls and ceilings, paints and adhesives and door fittings.