Always a highlight of the annual design calendar, Canberra’s annual celebration of all things design, DESIGN Canberra, is back with one of the most eclectic and exciting programs yet.

For 2018, DESIGN Canberra is pulling out all the stops. From November 5 to 25 our nation’s capital will be transformed into a one-stop shop for design experiences. Conversations, ideas and installations focussing on how design shapes our world and how we can change it are all on the menu for design lovers.

A real highlight of the festival is an installation piece from acclaimed Japanese designer Kengo Kuma. Kuma’s ‘NAMAKO’ installation will feature as the inaugural ephemeral architecture project to launch this year’s DESIGN Canberra. The highly anticipated project will activate Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin for the duration of the festival.

A prototype of what will in Canberra be a 2.5-metre-high, 12-metre-wide installation has already been revealed in Tokyo – seen above. The installation will see a steel rod frame and mesh made structure with bio-acrylic rods woven together by zip-ties. Inspired by the Japanese word for sea cucumber “namako”, Kuma’s installation reflects the unique characteristics of the animal’s softness, transparency and form.

Other highlights of the festival include an appearance from Australia’s leading practitioner of the late 20th century organic style of architecture, Enrico Taglietti; the 2018 designer-in-residence, furniture maker Chelsea Lemon; Design Diplomacy events in collaboration with Helsinki Design Week; Dark MOFO favourite known for his lighting designs, Matt Adey of House of Vnholy; a type artist’s conference; hands-on workshops, Tim Ross and more. 

“DESIGN Canberra has resonated with Canberrans, the design sector and design lovers near and far because design is in Canberra’s DNA. This year’s program will be full of new ideas, conversations, and innovations to further inspire what makes Canberra a living design laboratory,” said Rachael Coghlan CEO of Craft ACT and Artistic Director of DESIGN Canberra 2018.