This article was first published in the autumn 2016 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors

With biennales taking place across the world, from the archetype in Venice to Istanbul and Sharjah, the London Design Biennale marks its debut at Somerset House in September. The three-week event has commissioned over 35 countries from six continents to design site-specific installations anchored by the theme, Utopia By Design – paying homage to the 500th anniversary of the publication of Sir Thomas More’s Utopia, a classic novel of political philosophy.

What sets the London Design Biennale apart from its counterparts is the fundamental focus on design and its location in one of the world’s key cultural capitals. On what propelled the launch of the inaugural event to occur, Director of the Biennale, Christopher Turner says, “There is no design biennale in a major capital city. London is arguably already established as the design capital of the world. To welcome the world’s greatest designers to a single venue every two years can only strengthen and consolidate this position.” What further distinguishes the design event is its conceptual rather than commercial incentives. Turner highlights this concentration, “It’s not a trade show but a place in which ideas about design’s role in our collective future can be explored and trialled,” he explains. “We want to champion a broad vision of design disciplines from engineering, architecture and fashion to interactive, products, science and art.”

Regional representations from the Middle East include the United Arab Emirates presenting Al Falaj: Water Systems of the Gulf’s Oasis which explores how a system of ancient irrigation once utilised across desert communities can be implemented in the rapidly globalising cities in the UAE. Representing Saudi Arabia, is Water Machine, curated by Basma and Noura Bouzo, co-founders of Oasis Magazine and Saudi Design Week. The interactive candy machine installation sells water to visitors encapsulated in plastic gum balls, addressing notions of childhood and the concept of ecological sustainability. Lebanon will evoke Beirut’s lively spirit in a street market on the River Terrace at Waterloo Bridge. Among the notable international presentations in response to this year’s theme include Mexico’s project by architect and urbanist Fernando Romero addressing the possibility of charter cities in Free City Design. Germany features designer Konstantin Grcic’s installation exploring the psychological origins of Utopia. Nigeria proposes a futuristic floating city set on the lagoons of Lagos to prevent flooding. The United Kingdom presents a kinetic sculpture which explores the history of the nation’s maritime exploration and its pivotal role in the development of wind energy.

The inception of the London Design Biennale occurs at a pivotal time in the nation’s modern day history. Turner emphasises the importance of the Biennale’s role as a platform to facilitate convergence, “Our relationship with Europe and the world is under scrutiny as never before,” he says. “We feel that it is more vital than ever that the cultural and creative sectors continue to represent Britain as open, outward-looking, inclusive and welcoming.” He adds, “Hopefully the Biennale will be part of ensuring the wider world sees us in this way.” The  London Design Biennale’s interpretations of utopia and international scope set to play a promising role in strengthening the nation’s key position as an epicentre of heritage, cultural exchange and design innovation. – Nada Bokhowa