Critically acclaimed international design show designjunction has announced its relocation to a new long-term home in King’s Cross, one of most striking urban redevelopments in the UK.
With the support of the King’s Cross development partnership, designjunction will take over the area for its flagship show during London Design Festival, 22nd-25th September 2016.
The 67-acre King’s Cross site has a rich history and a unique appeal. This former industrial heartland is being transformed into one of the capital’s most dynamic destinations, with the redevelopment of the area creating 1900 new homes, 20 new streets, 10 new public parks and squares and three million square feet of commercial office space as well as cultural attractions.
The theme of the 2016 designjunction show will be ‘Immersed in Design’, with the move to the larger King’s Cross site marking the next chapter for designjunction and the creation of the King’s Cross Design District at this year’s London Design Festival.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for designjunction. King’s Cross stands at the heart of the design and architectural community, with an inspiring cultural scene, thriving business district and strong industrial heritage,” says MD of designjunction, Deborah Spencer.
“Our choice of location is pioneering – King’s Cross is on the brink of transformation, attracting renewed commercial interest, new development, new occupiers and regeneration. King’s Cross is fast emerging as a creative hub and we are delighted to bring one of the most influential and exciting elements of the London Design Festival to this increasingly dynamic and contemporary London destination.”
Anna Strongman, partner at Argent, says: “King’s Cross has a rich history of industrial design – the gasholders, grain stores and railway itself were all outputs of our country’s creative heritage.
"This is coming to the fore once more as the area attracts students, businesses and residents with a passion for the Arts. We are excited about designjunction arriving, and see it as further endorsement of King’s Cross’ great reputation.”
designjunction 2016 will host four distinct exhibition sites against the industrial backdrop of King’s Cross:
The centrally-located Granary Square will feature ten custom exhibitions for headline sponsored projects and installations. Cubitt, a two-floor pavilion in Lewis Cubitt Square, will have a strong trade focus, featuring some of the best in contemporary lighting in the ‘lightjunction’ as well as furniture from international design brands. Key brands include Haberdashery, Lindholt, Northern Lighting, String, Kirkby Design, Modus and Rubn.
The Canopy will be a temporary pop-up venue for premium retail brands, including everything from fashion accessories to technology, textiles and stationery. Located between Central Saint Martins and Waitrose, the large market area will take shape under a heritage protected wrought iron structure and will attract retail buyers and design-savvy consumers.
The Crossing, running through the Central Saint Martins building, will provide the show’s registration point as well as a platform for specially commissioned installations and flash factories. Both Granary Square and The Crossing will remain accessible to the public throughout September’s festival.
The designjunction chevron symbol will spread throughout the site - acting as a recognisable wayfinding tool to maximize visibility and footfall as the event opens to visitors in September.
