100 leading European architectural suppliers will show innovative new products and offering the latest innovations in surface solutions, lighting technology as well as interior and exterior fixtures and fittings. All of these companies have gone through a rigorous selection process, with an external judging panel overseeing the selection, to ensure that this is one of the UK’s most highly respected trade shows of its kind.
WATER THEME
The theme for ARCHITECT@WORK UK 2017 is water. To honour this the SCIN GALLERY will present an exhibition focusing on four aspects.
The Material Source: Materials that come from Water will examine the natural elements that come from water such as seaweed, shells and Neptune balls as well as solutions to the material waste that is floating in our seas like Bionic Yarn. The Physical Connection: Interacting with Water will explore how water is incorporated into design from tiles that redirect water to prevent flooding to creating a weathered look by putting materials in contact with water. The Chemical Reaction: Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic will look at materials that naturally repel water (hydrophilic) and materials that absorb water (hydrophobic). Hydrophilic materials are often incorporated into coatings and paints to protect surfaces while hydrophobic substances are used to create meltable bio-plastics, expanding resins and dissolvable paper. The Aesthetic Inspiration: Looking like Water will show how water’s shine, bubbles and waves are imitated in design elements from glass and acrylic to fabric and marble.
EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS
One of the leading distributors and manufacturers of fibre-cement, Cembrit, will showcase a wide range of facade, roofing and interior products. At the show, they will showcase their Fibre Cement Rainscreen Cladding for the first time in the UK.
Italian lighting manufacturer Buzzi & Buzzi will show its sleek collection of completely recessed, outdoor and surface lighting including its new Genios, Eggy and Taurus collections. One of the global leaders in innovative and sustainable solutions for flooring and sports surfaces, Tarkett will be showcasing its wide range of products, including vinyl, linoleum, carpet, rubber, wood and laminate, synthetic turf and athletic tracks.
Located in Belgium, Louage & Wisselink will show the latest sliding door systems including their self-supporting pocket doors with an invisible latent track. Klein, established in 1931, will show Extendo©, a synchronised telescopic system for sliding glass interior panels. This synchronised opening system allows you to activate all mobile panels by moving just one.
Ideaworks creates technology for homes, superyachts, developments and hospitality venues. Ideaworks will show Turn for the first time in the UK, a beautifully crafted glass display, centred around a weighted rotating ring. It can be used to control room functions such as lighting and temperature.
EXHIBITION
Another feature of this year’s edition is the exhibition Matière grise (GREY MATTER, Materials, Reuse, Architecture) by Pavillon de l'Arsenal. Architects Julien Choppin and Nicola Delon from the Encore Heureux architectural design agency urge the construction trade to use more “grey matter” so as to use fewer raw materials. 75 projects, 14 essays, 13 interviews combine to show the potential of the recovery and reuse of materials.
INNOVATIVE INTERVIEWS
ARCHITECT@WORK has commissioned UK-based design and architectural journalist Giovanna Dunmall to conduct a series of eight interviews with architects, developers and engineers asking them to reflect on everything from their current projects to which designer they would most like to sit next to at dinner. The Innovative Interviews are available to read online.
POP-UP BOOKSHOP BY RIBA
This year also sees the installation of the Pop Up Book Shop for Architects and Designers. Organised and run by RIBA, this store will give visitors an opportunity to browse and purchase magazines and books touching on a particular area of specialisation or interest.
TALKS PROGRAMME
Wednesday, 26th January
15:00 A bridge too far?
Roger Ridsdill Smith, Foster+Partners
Jonathan McDowell, Matter Architecture
Julia Barfield, Marks Barfield
Ben Addy, Moxon Architects
16:15 Design driven by natural forces
Chair: Eleanor Young, RIBAJ
Ana Abram, Gustafson Porter
Jerry Tate, Tate Harmer
Michael Pawlyn, Exploration Architecture
17:30 The British Land interviewSenior Figure, British LandInterviewer: Peter Murray, NLA
Thursday, 27th January
15:00 The amphibious city
Chris Romer-Lee, Studio Octopi
Carl Turner, Carl Turner Architects
16:15 Waterway development
Chair: Phineas Harper, the Architecture Foundation
Alex Ely, Mae Architects
Peter Chowns, Canal and River Trust
Steve Webb, Webb Yates
17:30 The Argent interview
Tom Goodall, Argent
Anthony Peter, Argent
Interviewer: David Michon, journalist
Attendance to the event is free to the trade: click here to register using code 280.
