Design for our Times

 

Design for Our Times

V&A Dundee 2022

A showcase of sustainable design from contemporary designers, artists and researchers who question established norms, re-visiting time-honoured materials and practices, and proposing practical solutions to issues of waste and overconsumption. From materials to processes, these innovative projects explore new possibilities and foster groundbreaking new ideas that could help tackle some of biggest challenges of our contemporary age.

Ffion & Stephen Blench | Chalk Plaster

Aymeric Renoud | Draff

Maria Lander & Peter Large | Future Practical

Dr Sam Chapman & Prof. Gabriela Medero | Kenoteq

Andrew Miller | Andrew Miller Studio

Lewis Harley & Simon Harlow | Mirrl

Catriona Brown | Shroom

 
Andrew Miller Pend, 2021. Light sculptures constructed from glassware found in charity shops. Image Michael McGurk
Andrew Miller’s Terrace, a sculptural configuration of benches.
Chalk Plaster Theo, 2021 & Mrs Marshall’s Intonaco stool, 2018 on plinths designed by Future Practical.
Chalk Plaster’s stool exhibited on Future Practical’s aluminium plinths. Image Ruth Clark
A table & screen made from ‘spent grain’ leftover from the distilling process by Draff Studio of Dundee.
Draff Studio’s Feuilleté chair

Design for Our Times shares insights into the inspiration that lies behind the creation of a functional object. The exhibition seeks to illuminate the role of the designer as a catalyst of change, the design process, and to illustrate the careful determination and creativity that takes an initial idea through the trial and error of experimentation, prototype development, towards the exciting and sometimes challenging exploration of potential applications in the wider world.

Inspiration & Experimentation – the exhibition illuminated the way the designers explored ideas, took risks and found inspiration to fuel their creative adventures.
Development & Potential – the wall of the Michelin Design Gallery illuminating the process of making & creating. Image Ruth Clark
Chalk Plaster – various pigments made from stones collected along the beaches of Fife together with sample

Driven by a desire to make a difference, these individuals question established norms, re-visit time-honoured materials and practices, and propose practical solutions to issues of waste and overconsumption.The objects and processes highlighted in this exhibition encourage us to consider new approaches to sustainable behaviour: from repurposing waste and discarded objects to using natural resources in place of manufactured materials.

The K-briq made of over 90% construction waste in East Lothian.
Dixon drinking fountain designed & made by Mirrl of Glasgow, commissioned by Design Exhibition Scotland.
Catriona Brown’s Shroom, a tree shelter made out of mycelium. Image Ruth Clark
A close up of Shroom, a prototype tree shelter made of mycelium by Catriona Brown. Image Michael McGurk.

Design for Our Times made its debut at London Design Festival | Brompton Design District in September. Design for Our Times is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.