The Importance of Human Connection in Design
Friday 6 September —
17:00
- 17:45
The Talks — Hall 7
Description
For designers, how viewers and users interact with a piece is a vital part of their practice which can inform future commissions and provide fresh inspiration. However, as societal shifts occur at an ever-increasing pace, how can designers navigate these to create thought-provoking installations that resonate with the audience and maintain relevance in an ever-changing world? British designer Paul Cocksedge discusses the topic with design journalist Roddy Clarke while exploring the importance of human connection and how it can be strengthened with an honest, open and transparent approach.
Participants
Tom DixonFounder & Creative Director
Paul CocksedgeDesigner & Co-founder - Paul Cocksedge Studio
Roddy ClarkeJournalist
Tom Dixon
Founder & Creative Director
Tom Dixon is a renowned British designer celebrated for his innovative work in furniture, lighting, accessories and interiors. Based in London, Dixon is self-taught and gained prominence in the 1980s with his welded salvage furniture. In 2002, he founded his eponymous brand, now a global powerhouse known for its contemporary aesthetic and iconic designs like the S Chair, Beat Light, Melt Light and Fat Chairs. Dixon’s obsession with materials and how things are made drives his creative process. His award-winning products and spaces are featured in prominent museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in modern British design.
Paul Cocksedge
Designer & Co-founder - Paul Cocksedge Studio
Paul Cocksedge is an internationally acclaimed British designer known for innovative design rooted in technology and material research. His work includes products, architectural projects, installations, and sculptures characterized by simplicity, joy, and wonder. Studying under Ron Arad at the RCA, Cocksedge was nominated for Designer of the Year by London's Design Museum in 2004, just two years after graduating. In the same year, he co-founded Paul Cocksedge Studio with Joana Pinho. The studio has participated in global design festivals, creating playful, technologically ingenious sculptures and installations.
Roddy Clarke
Journalist
A graduate of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Roddy Clarke is a design writer looking at the social and environmental impacts of design. With a background in restoration, Roddy covers topics such as circularity, responsible design, and the presence of traditional craft in a contemporary society. Contributing to titles such as The Financial Times and Forbes, Roddy also hosts and speaks across various industry events while also consulting with brands to help them navigate their way to a greener future through transparent and honest communication. Roddy also works as an interior stylist for a variety of brand-related projects.