Goodbye comfort zone
Volume 9 (Cocoon), May 2023
House and Leisure’s Contributing Design Editor, Bielle Bellingham, explores how Africa’s next generation of designers are harnessing the power and potential of design to create change at this year’s Decorex Africa
Ubomi light chandelier by Mash.T Photography by Frances Marais Styling by Sanri Pienaar
News from tomorrow
Design is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future, and lives at the nexus of ethics, innovation, commerce and creativity. As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, and our awareness of sustainability and social responsibility deepens, design and designers must adapt and innovate to confront these evolving challenges, reframing them as opportunities.
The ability to create aesthetically pleasing, functional and sustainable solutions that address both users’ needs and broader societal goals is critical to the success of design projects. As designers, we must stay on top of the latest technologies and societal trends, and remain committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. By doing so, we can harness the power of design to shape a better world for us all.
The rise of optimism
Although global challenges such as the climate crisis, inflation and energy scarcity can create feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, we’re beginning to see a shift in attitudes. Rather than feeling overwhelmed and fatigued by these challenges, we’re starting to yearn for positivity and abundance in our lives. Designers and architects are responding by incorporating more uplifting elements into their work. By focusing on creative, playful design solutions that bring joy and inspiration, designers can create spaces that promote optimism and possibility.
At Decorex: As a catalyst for connection and networking, Decorex Africa aims to facilitate interactions that lead to extraordinary ideas and innovative design. The Bubbly Bar is the perfect place for this. Designed by Happinest, The Bubbly Bar is the heart of the show, the best place to meet, greet, rest and make the future.
Mbabane bowl and Swazi pot from Quazi Design
Social responsibility
Social responsibility as a design trend involves creating products and spaces that have a positive impact on society, including promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. It’s about creating products and spaces that are accessible and inclusive to all people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including people with disabilities, which address social issues, such as poverty, inequality and climate change.
At Decorex: Future Talks will host a series of discussions and presentations that explore the wider social, ecological, and cultural context in which we operate. The objective of the summit is to create a set of networking opportunities and a toolkit for action. Among other topics, it will cover circularity, the omniverse and metaverse, biofabrication, Web 3.0, design activism, transdisciplinary co-creation and the nuances of African design. The curated line-up will sort the signal from the noise in order to accelerate positive change.
‘Good rain knows when to fall’, 2022 by Micha Serraf
Context-driven design
Vernacular design strategies draw on local traditions, customs and materials to create unique solutions that reflect the social, cultural and environmental context of a specific region or community. These design approaches prioritise sustainability, functionality and cultural identity, emphasising the importance of creating designs that are aesthetically pleasing and socially responsible.
At Decorex: New-wave nomadic gallery FEDE Arthouse will present a showcase centred around vernacular architecture. Aimed at highlighting the use of indigenous materials, their offering seeks to honour traditional methods of making and their evolution into the contemporary art and design world, reflecting the environmental, cultural and historical context in which we now exist.
Integrating sustainability
Sustainable design is rapidly becoming a ubiquitous aspect of all types of design, including product, architecture and interior design. It not only offers environmental responsibility, but also economic and well-being benefits for both individuals and businesses. Designers are incorporating more innovative and creative solutions that integrate environmental, social
and economic considerations into the design process.
At Decorex: In the face of these urgent socio-environmental crises, slow fashion offers a way to reduce our impact on the planet and build social ecosystems. Twyg will be showcasing a variety of slow-fashion practices, including mending, swapping, buying pre-loved and local, and using recycled and natural fibres.
Fashion from designer Khumo Morojele Photography by Luke Houba Creative direction by Lukhanyo Mdingi
Makeup by Inga Hewett Worn by Alanzo Strauss
Collective impact
Designers are prioritising local needs and values by embracing a ‘do-it-together’ mindset and working with stakeholders such as users, clients, and communities. This approach allows for greater flexibility, adaptability and sustainability in design, as well as more responsive solutions to the challenges of modern life.
See how this translates at Decorex in Cape Town from 22–25 June, and in Johannesburg from 3–6 August. And don’t miss out on 100% Design Africa or Design Joburg!
For more information, visit decorex.co.za or @decorexafrica, and book your ticket to experience and support local design.