Material innovation at the forefront: Surface Design Show 2024 highlights

As the boundaries between virtual and reality continue to blur, architectural surfaces play a vital role in shaping multi-sensory spaces that live up to the types of experiences we expect from our ever-changing world. For designers seeking to create meaningful experiences in interior space, embracing technological advancements and new design approaches to surface design is key. Yet while embracing the promise of the present, how can designers also make sure they are protecting the people and planet of the future?

Capturing and communicating these cutting-edge developments and debates, this year’s Surface Design Show (6-8 February 2024) brought over 180 exhibitors to the Business Design Centre in London’s Islington, presenting innovation across stone, ceramics, wall coverings, flooring, finishes, processes and more. The fair’s theme of ‘Mindful Living’ asked how we can negotiate today’s ambitious demands on space in a conscious and sustainable way, placing a spotlight on zero waste manufacturers, natural materials and material substitutes.

Sustainability was a recurring theme across the 20 presentations from 61 speakers – including architects, designers, artisans, manufacturers, journalists, entrepreneurs, colour experts, trend predictors and design editors – offering visitors and participants a chance to connect and network. At the central exhibition, Surface Spotlight Live, visitors could interact first-hand with samples of ground-breaking materials such as fabrics, paints and furniture finishes, as well as learn about how to identify VOCs and healthy materials.

Forward-thinking materials and approaches could be found at stand-out exhibitors including Stylib (AI-powered image & text search for busy specifiers) and Smile Plastics (manufacturer of 100% recycled plastic sheets). Meanwhile, the New Talent section featured over 30 emerging material pioneers, such as Rosy Napper, creator of the versatile ‘ReCinder’, made of waste ceramic and ash diverted from landfill, ideal for furniture, tiling, tableware and even lighting due to its translucent quality. Incro Design also made an appearance – a textile studio focussed on sensory inclusivity and neurodiversity founded by Central Saint Martins graduate Nanxi Ai.

New light was also shed on traditional surface materials. The ‘Stone Knowledge Hub’ returned in a bigger capacity than last year; the Italian Pavilion was dedicated to Italy’s finest stone; and representatives were present from the Stone Federation Great Britain and Turkey’s Aegean Mineral Exporters Association. The intricacies of designing and building with wood were explored by Grant Gibson, founder of the award-winning podcast Material Matters, and architect Andrew Waugh. While the brick Tarang Pavillion in Gandhinagar, India by The Grid Architects won the highest honour at the Surface Design Awards, commended for its creative use of brick as a substitute to concrete and locally resourceful material.

‘We are at such a turning point with technological advancements where we are trying to gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations can benefit us today as well as in the future. Since the pandemic we have become more in tune with our innate need for emotional connections. This means we seek to embrace new ideas but at the same time appreciate the value of human interactions,’ reflected Sally Angharad, material, design and trend expert and curator of Surface Spotlight Live.

While this turning point presents some major challenges for designers today, this year’s Surface Design Show has certainly proved the value in placing human interaction at the forefront – not just through sustainable materials that help preserve our earth and forge healthy environments to live in, yet also in how it brought 6,000 visitors (8% more than last year) together with over 60 international participants from 17 countries (its most global edition yet) to think, share and debate the future of surface design together.

The Surface Design Show 2025 returns 4-6 February 2025.

© Architonic

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