100% Design had over 28,000 visitors attend the show’s 20th edition over four days, two weeks ago (17-20 September 2014). Since the show’s acquisition in 2011, new owners Media Ten have increased the total footfall by 36%.

Overall, the 2014 show was attended by over 19,000 architects and interior designers, representing 70% of the total number of visitors and was most attended by UK
visitors (81%), followed by those from Europe (13%) and the rest of the world (6%).

Led by Show Director William Knight, 100% Design increased its overall exhibition space by 20%, showcasing an array of global design brands and thought-provoking features over 22,000 sq m within Earls Court. The show also marked its 20th edition this year before moving to Olympia next September.

William Knight comments, “100% Design 2014 was a great success for us; overall, we have received an overwhelming number of positive responses from visitors, exhibitors and collaborators. I believe the 20th edition truly demonstrated our commitment to design and innovation, and that we have produced a top quality show where visitors could find new ideas and innovative products, but also connect with others and engage with our features, which strongly supported our 2014 show theme.”

International designer Philippe Starck – who opened 100% Design this year – added, “there were no features at the first event many years ago, but now it looks amazing and full of sparkle.” 100% Design welcomed visitors to its 20th edition this year with a specially commissioned glass chandelier, Ice, made by leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke light fittings Lasvit in conjunction with architect Daniel Libeskind.

Alongside Emerging Brands and International Pavilions, four industry hubs showcased Interiors, Kitchens and Bathrooms, Workplace and Eco, Design and Build, each with an engaging and interactive feature at its heart; from Foam Dome by vPPR architects – a geodesic dome pavilion made from bubble foam, to iAlter by NBBJ architects, a kinetic sculpture that flexed in response to visitors flowing through it.

Key brands that launched new collections at the show ranged from Vitra and Heal’s Discovers, to Pinch, Studio Job for NLXL (Pad Home), Philippe Starck for Ceramica Sant’Agostino (Capitol Designer Studio), Sir Terence Conran for Fermob, OROLOG by Jaime Hayon and Muon Haven.

Talks with 100% Design, curated by Claire Barrett, also returned this year with a star-studded line-up including Jaime Hayon, Philippe Starck, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, Nina Tolstrup, Ross Lovegrove and Daan Roosegaard. To celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, a special ‘20’ themed Pecha Kucha also took place, curated and hosted by its founder Mark Dytham.

Photography by Theo Cohen

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