Design Johannesburg is set to be a feast of creativity from experts and tastemekers across multiple spectrums of design. Now in its fourth year, the showcase, which is a highlight on the South African design calendar, features a host of some of the top names in the design industry such as industry veteran Maira Koutsoudakis, Liebmann and Cocoon Lifestyle founder Bilala Mabuza as well as trailblazers including multi-award winning designer Rich Mnisi and multimedia visual artist, Trevor Stuurman and performance artist and creative direcotor Manthe Ribane . The full-scale displays will include interiors, design, fashion, architecture and sustainable design practices with a focus on new talent that is driving change in the industry.
This dynamic panel of creatives has collaborated on imersive designs and experiences that embrace technology and tech innovations, sustainable design practices, explorations and a post-pandemic response to the world as we know it.
This is what to look forward to:
1. Design Dialogues will be a space to pause and catch up on fascinating and eye-opening design-focused talks, both from local shapeshifters and commenters and international mavens, who will be broadcast via the Design London platform. Cocoon Lifestyle’s Bilala Mabuza will lead the curation of this engagement space.
The impressive line up of speakers and moderators include: Koutsoudakis, Mnisi, Stuurman, Sir Abner, Andrea Kleinloog, Melody Maker, Nthabi Taukobong, Peter Rich, Steve Pinto, Ann Roberts, Chris Bakker, Donald Nxumalo, Gillian Holl, Graham Wood, Kulani Keagile, Tessa Proudfoot and Trevor Sibanda.
2. Headline sponsor Sanlam Private Wealth is presenting a showcase of brand-new work by leading creative women, from The Urbanative, Imiso Ceramics’ Zizi Poswa and Candice Lawrence from Modern Gesture.
3. The Architects’ Gallery, a showcase of some of the country’s finest architectural projects. This year however, the introduction of a three-dimensional immersive element will bring each of the buildings in the gallery to life.
4. The Design Joburg restaurant will be a focal point and an immersive space where design, architecture and food converge.
5. For those looking to shop, the Retail Corridor is a dedicated space where visitors can take a slew of locally designed lust-haves home with them – from cushions to ceramics and of course a phone full of images to mull over for further at-home inspiration.
6. Into the metaverse, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and other cutting-edge digital technologies are amongst the key features at this year’s Design Joburg with visitors being treated to a immersive trip into the metaverse, a series of expert talks, architecture, interior and design.
7. Architectural Tours, this year’s programme includes designer-led in-person building tours of iconic buildings including The Bank in Rosebank designed by Daffonchio Architects and The Leonardo in Sandton, designed by Co-Arc International Architects. The tours will have a brand-new VR component that will allow visitors to experience buildings from the inside without even leaving the gallery.
8. Hendrick’s Gin Bar returns using the iconic gin’s signature blend of 11 botanicals as its design cue.
As much a cerebral as a social event, Design Joburg is an opportunity to grab a glass of bubbly, mingle with local talents and fellow cognoscenti and most importantly to get up close and personal with some of the most exciting and stimulating creative endeavours happening in the décor and design arenas right now
For more information, media enquiries and downloads, visit designjoburg.com
