Tarkett, a global leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, is enticing visitors with a combination of thought provoking debate, hands-on workshops, live music and sneak previews of new products. The flooring specialist’s showroom was the fifth most visited during last year’s event and the 2018 programme should ensure it remains one of this year’s most hotly anticipated destinations.
A new outlook on the concept of work:
The company is also using the design festival as a platform to unveil and discuss the increasing convergence of the home and the workplace by introducing a new framework for thinking about how we work today – and in the future.
Tarkett has commissioned in-depth European research into people’s work and lifestyle habits and then stress-tested the findings through a series of focus groups. The CDW speaker programme will present, explore and reflect upon the UK insights from this study.
“We’re extremely excited about this year’s programme. The picture painted by the research presents a whole new way of thinking and we have some influential speakers in the mix to help us redefine work spaces of the future, through design,” says Steve Urwin, Tarkett’s UK Marketing Manager.
Future-thinking:
Future-thinking is a strong theme throughout the three-day itinerary. Applied Futurist, Tom Cheesewright, is just one of the personalities that will be interpreting the research to take Tarkett’s audiences to a new reality.
The acclaimed speaker and author, who frequently works with national media including The BBC, Channel 4 and The Guardian, will introduce ‘The Future Human’ – exploring what this person’s needs may be and the several dimensions in which they could be operating.
A virtual reality (VR) artist has also been commissioned to ‘add colour’ to the proceedings, interpreting the convergence of home and work in an immersive and entertaining session. Alongside this, Tarkett will demonstrate ‘live’ VR applications where the technology is already being used in practical and inspirational ways to highlight how far design can enhance the end-user experience.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure we entertain and engage in equal measure,” adds Urwin. “Our product designers will offer insights and inspiration for working with contrasting surfaces in commercial settings – and showcase some of our new products.
“This, along with live music, bar bike tours, gastronomic surprises and the not-to-be-missed panel debate finale – moderated by design writer, Katie Treggiden, makes us confident that our showroom will once again be a stand-out destination during Clerkenwell Design Week 2018.”