During SiD, 17 companies within Richmond have combined efforts to promote the 3121 area as an ongoing design precinct. The showrooms are divided into 3 areas so make sure you pick up an entry card, then get along to each one to collect a stamp during the event on 9th August to go into the draw to win one of five Bose Docking Stations. For more information and companies involved, view the newly created 3121 website: 3121designprecinct.com
Refreshing things are happening at Systems Supply – they call it engineered creativity. Be the first to experience it at this year's Saturday in Design, where they will preview the lush nwe 32.5.
Find Systems Supply at the rear of 1 Spring Street from 9am on Saturday 9 August. See you there!
For more information contact Susan Fyfe susanf@systemsupply.com.
Pecha Kucha Night Volume 08 will be taking place at The Blue Diamond from 6pm on Thursday night during Saturday in Design, so don't miss your chance to be inspired by a range of presenters including Nathan Gray, Jeffrey Bernett, Rory Hyde, Hugo Davidson, Steven Cornwell, Sarah Parkes and Harald Grundl. For more info go to: www.pecha-kucha.org
Recognised for their exclusive and innovative fabric ranges, Rim Fabrics is the ideal solution for upholstery and vertical surface needs. The careful selection of colours and textures coupled with durability, environmental benefits and availability makes Rim fabrics the perfect package.
Rim fabrics are coming to the streets of Saturday in Design in a form like know other. Explore the streets within the major location/bus circuit to locate five large coloured geometric shaped packages – rectangle, circle, square, triangle and hexagon. Each package represents a special attribute of Rim Fabrics including colours, textures, durability, environmental benefits and availability.
Make the connection and enter the draw via email to info@saturdayindesign.com.au or enquires@rimfabrics.com.au and be in the draw to win … the perfect package from Tiffany & Co … a $2000 voucher!
Join the excitement on the street – an incredible prize not to be missed.
Imagine a building that has ZERO net carbon emissions. GHD architects have been working on a hypothetical project that would achieve this. Find out more on +Friday evening where key speakers Paul Thatcher GHD Design Director Architecture and Colin Berriman GHD Manager of Building Services will speak about Zero at the State Library Conference Centre. The evening begins at 6pm sharp for drinks and canapés. Limited spaces, RSVP to ziba@harveypublicity.com.au by Friday 1 August to secure your booking.
Zoe is constructed using 5 separate internal chambers filled with glazed beads allowing easy manipulation of shape into various positions. It comes fully upholstered in fabric or soft leather, and with the option of a matching foot stool. Available in 4 sizes from large to medium and baby Zoe, as well as an extended length version which incorporates the footstool like a day bed all in one piece.
Walk the Lane on +Friday night to meet Nick Capobianco, Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development Manager of GECA. Nick is an environmental marketing consultant with over 18 years experience. He will be speaking at 4pm and 6pm on the benefits of Green Specifying at the Burgtec showroom.
Organic wine and cheeses will be served while guests view the exciting products from Burgtec, Macquarie and NSW Leather Co. from 3pm to 8pm. nick will be present throughout the evening.
Hosted by design firm Geyer, the next debate in the series is scheduled for Friday 8th August at 6pm in the Shell Auditorium. The hot topic to be argued is: The hand of the designer is lost in this age of technology.
The debaters:
For
Steven Cornwell - Cornwell DesignMatthew Mulcearns - VicUrban
Rosie Scott – Geyer
Against
Ross Didier - Product + Furniture Designer
Kathy Demos - National Design Centre
Rory Hyde - Architect + RMIT lecturer
What do you think, whose side are you on?
Ism Objects' workshop opens for business in the industrial setting of Tait's showroom for Saturday in Design. This collaboration offers the ultimate opportunity to discover, listen and learn – designers for both companies will be involved in a comprehensive Q & A session.
Acclaimed designers Daniel Barbera from Melbourne and Trent Jensen from Sydney will be speaking about ISM's lighting range, focusing on the launch of the new Sparks range. The Sparks collection includes Kapelo by Chris Connell, Shady by Daniel Barbera and Iro by Zinkel Carpenter.
Meanwhile, furniture designer for Tait, Justin Hutchinson will speak about the new Jak + Jill contemporary indoor/outdoor setting, fresh from its Milan debut. And Tim Collins, who exhibited the Hutch caravan in Milan, will be parked out front.
So head down, enjoy a beer and chill out.
Vertilux are hosting VIP factory tours at their Tullamarine Head Office on +Friday, where you can see behind the scenes where and how their products come into being. Register your interest to maria@vertilux.com.au and you could be one of those VIPs!
Then on Saturday, don't miss the exclusive launch of four new ranges in 19 new colourways, and the latest innovations in manual and motorised systems technologies for window covering systems. You can also be in the draw to win a dinner package ($200 value) or a weekend package ($400 value).
Saab, like Saturday in Design is passionate about design and innovation and celebrates power of independent thinking, which is why Saab is pleased to support local and international design by being the official car partner of the event. read more
Check out what's new in the precincts here...
If you haven't already, don't forget to book your accommodation in Melbourne... We have secured special Saturday in Design rates for our attendees travelling from interstate, so make sure you take advantage of these if you are booking a room for the event. (More details)
Häfele are known for their meticulously designed hardware and fittings. Their products are carefully designed to be the perfect ‘fit’ for designed pieces or furniture and joinery, achieving a clean aesthetic and, are incredibly reliable to use – the perfect match between design and function.
For The Project, highly regarded architectural firm Geyer has joined with Häfele to further highlight the qualities of Häfele products. Geyer will design an experience, which takes visitors on a journey of discovery showcasing and exposing the connection between design and function.
Cunsolo Architects have joined Insitu to deliver a new showroom concept as part of The Project. Located at Insitu’s showroom, this collaboration will launch the Plank MYTO chair designed by Konstantin Grcic, and will also focus on other new products released at Milan.
The brief asked Cunsolo to consider the space in terms of branding Plank and BASF, launching MYTO, plus another secret focus that will be announced on the day.
The creation of The Project has been a positive and enjoyable experience for both companies - visitors to the showroom are in for a spectacular surprise.
The team at Workspace Commercial Furniture are bringing a touch of Australian culture to Saturday in Design this year.
As manufactures of their own product, Workspace are sourcing ethical ingredients from the Australian environment – the local community actually – to help manufacture their refreshments for the event. A special menu featuring rosella flower jam, myrtle mayonnaise and macadamia nut salsa (to name just a few of the culinary delights) has been taste tested by the experts (Workspace members) for your digestive pleasure at Saturday in Design.
And you can enjoy morsels from the traditional Aussie menu as well, including barramundi, kangaroo, and good old macaroons and scones.
Our mouths are watering already!
So product launches are one thing, but there are some showrooms being unveiled for the first time at SiD this year - a perfect opportunity to meet the owners and see the product in a fantastic new space.
Interstudio will be opening their second Australian showroom – their first one in Melbourne right in the hub of Flinders Lane, so visitors can enjoy all their brands in the revamped showroom environment.
Apaiser will also officially launch their flagship showroom in Richmond, the first one with the complete range on display, as well as new designs and finishes.
Stay tuned to the website for more new locations to visit at the event.
The companies in the newly-named Nu Blok design precinct (formerly Collingwood, Fitzroy and Carlton) are setting up for a stellar +Friday at this year's SiD. There will be plenty going on in the area, with many of the showrooms in easy walking distance – remember no buses on +Friday.
Have a look at Warwick fabrics, used as upholstery on locally manufactured furniture during the day, and the four finalists from the Dreamweaver competition will also be on display in their showroom. You can visit both Tait and Ism from 1-5pm for an informal chat with the company owners and designers, complete with a +Friday afternoon sausage sizzle and beer, and attend the awards for Sebel's Green Furniture Design Competition at 5pm.
And this is just on +Friday, with plenty more planned for Saturday.
Nu Blok companies are Methven, Sampford IXL + Zip Heaters (shared space), Sebel Furniture, Tait + ISM Objects (shared space), UCI and Warwick Fabrics.
There are whispers about the latest drawcard to be added to the Melbourne design precinct of St Kilda and Middle Park. Companies in the area – Accent International, MAP International, Mary Noall, Milk Furniture and Tsar – are joining together to create a precinct activity and prize. Visitors will be asked to retrieve a certain item from each of the locations to go into the running to win a prize pack put together by all the companies.
Stay tuned for more…
You can travel in style to Saturday in Design this year - enter our Major Prize competition to win a complete SiD package. You will be given domestic return flights to Melbourne for 2 adults, 2 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast, tickets to the SiD Wrap Party, plus more! To enter, tell us in 25 words or less what you are most looking forward to at this year's Saturday in Design. click here for all the details and to enter...
Warwick Fabrics will be displaying the four finalist designs of this year's Dreamweaver Design Award in their showroom at SiD.
The annual award is sponsored by Warwick and encouarages the work of current students and recent graduates (up to one year out of studying). Entrants are asked to design a woven upholstery suitable for domestic furniture, and present to a panel of industry representatives.
The selected finalists then have their fabric commercially woven, the end product on display at Warwick Fabrics during SiD. Visit Warwick on Saturday 9 August to see this year's winning designs, and meet the designers (L-R Heather Thomas, Sally Meakin, Isabel Young, Merri Cranswick, all from RMIT) from 10am-2pm.
The Art House Meat Market venue in North Melbourne will be transformed for Saturday in Design. Working with all the companies within the space, Mariachi Design have conceived a concept that will take visitors on a subterranean adventure.
Within the combined space of the Meat Market, the design extends the look and feel of the London Underground, using colour as a directional tool that will also express each of the company's identities. Other elements will include railway-inspired signage, maps, and tickets.
Stay tuned as more is revealed. . . Choo Choo!
So we're starting to hear about some of the ideas for The Project, the new addition to this year's SiD program of events.
James Richardson have partnered up with interiors, architecture and project management firm Baenziger Coles who will be outleashing their creativity at both of James Richardson's SiD locations.
At the Art House Meat Markets, James Richardson's space will be divided into sections defined by stacked chair frames (a different kind of chair for each stack), in a raw timber finish. A soldier row of chair backs will create a path of travel from one end of the display to the other, and with the use of low positional lighting, everyone will want to walk this gauntlet. The concept deliberately uses elements of James Richardson product so that after the exhibition, the pieces can be dismantled and re-used, in a gentle nod to sensible and sustainable design.
Don't miss out on the Lithgow Street showroom either. This space will communicate the three strands of James Richardson's business – work, sit and weave – through the use of paint colours, acrylic and images. Upstairs, the showroom will star furniture fresh from Milan for you to feast your eyes upon.
We can't wait!
This year, the design precincts at SiD are really ramping it up. Companies in the Richmond area are working together to create a unique experience for visitors at their showrooms, in the newly-named '3121 - The Design Precinct'.
This will involve a prize based on an entry card that is a precinct map, for guests to have stamped at a number of locations. Once completed, entry cards can be left in a box at participating showrooms to go into the prize draw (to be confirmed), which will be held after Saturday in Design.
Make sure you pick your entry card at any of the showrooms you check out whilst wandering '3121 - The Design Precinct'. We'll see you there!
For the first time, Yellow Diva has hit our shores and you will be in the know once you visit them at Saturday in Design. What began as a collaboration between an English architect and Australian industrial designer/art director, has turned into a highly conceptual creator of furniture and objects that stand out from the crowd.
Their anthropomorphic products are designed to respond to the body and evoke an emotive response in the user. There will definitely be a positive response from the first 100 that visit the new Yellow Diva showroom in the Richmond precinct on the Saturday, as they will receive a free Keepcool wine cooler, Yellow Diva's maiden product made of wetsuit material, which was shortlisted for the 100% Design Blueprint Awards in 1998.
With so many places to visit and faces to see at SiD, make sure you plan your itinerary so that you can get the most out of your day. One tactic is to utilise the express bus routes that will get you from A to B efficiently - this is a great way to see the hotspots and get to those showrooms along the way quickly. Hop on the CBD express that connects the CBD and Flinders Street precinct to the 'Underground at the Meat Market' and you can visit GGI, UCI and Flash Photobition on the way.
Jeffrey Bernett, founder of Studio B, will be coming to Australia to take part in SiD 08. He has designed in a number of areas including interior, household product, lighting, fashion accessory, graphic, and of course, furniture. Jeffrey is visiting Australia in conjunction with Space Furniture (he has designed many products for B&B Italia, including the beautiful Tulip Lounge), and will also be participating in the Launch Pad program.
Stay tuned for more on Jeffrey's plans over the event.
Sebel Furniture are holding an undergraduate student design competition in conjunction with Saturday in Design this year. The focus is on the environment, with students asked to submit concept furniture designs that are sustainable and encourage recycling. Shortlisted entries will be on exhibition at Sebel's showroom on +Friday, so head down there during the day to support the students. An awards ceremony will take place at 5pm on the Friday, with the winner receiving $1000 in prize money.
The SiD 2008 journey has officially begun! This year we’re ramping it up, adding to our traditional program of events.
As always, companies in Melbourne’s design precincts will welcome design lovers in, showcasing classic favourites, as well as new local and international brands. A new addition to SiD this year is The Project –designers, architects and other creatives are given free reign inside SiD showrooms . . . who knows what they will come up with?
SiD is attracting more global exposure than ever, with international guests appearing from all over the world. Jeffrey Bernett, US designer for B&B Italia, will be visiting with Space Furniture, and Harald Gründl, one-third of Austrian-based Eoos, with Walter Knoll.
Get the most out of the event by planning ahead and checking the website for updates, and register online before 16 July to receive your handbook and day pass prior to the event (you can also win some great prizes for online registration).
Stay tuned!
One third of Viennese-based trio EOOS is making his way to Melbourne for Saturday in Design this year. Harald Gründl will bring the EOOS design sensibility to the event, which has inspired the products he and his contemporaries Martin Bergmann and Gernot Bohmann, have created under the EOOS name. Their brand of poetical analysis has made them a perfect match for Walt er Knoll products, which convey both a sense of beauty and a strong design philosophy.
Keep posted for more on Harald's whereabouts at SiD.
Guess who is having a 'White is Right' theme in their showroom for Saturday in Design, to complement their launching products? Keep an eye out for the white chocolate fountain . . .
Once again, Launch Pad will bring you the best of emerging Australian design. Entries are now open, with a deadline of 1st May, for more information contact launchpad@indesign.com.au. Visit Launch Pad's hot new website launch-pad.com.au for updates on the program of events for 2008.
+Friday was appreciated by many visitors last year, so we've decided to make it an institution. On Friday 8 August, visit a selection of showrooms to take the sight in at a slower pace. Keep posted for a list of participating showrooms.
