Targeted at highlighting and exploring new pathways in creativity, architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphics design and technology so that a growing community of contemporary designers can better tap into a rich history of craftsmanship and unique material knowledge across the continent, Design Week Lagos (DWL), a leading design week on the African continent, is set to showcase the best in contemporary African design across categories.
Founded by African design advocate, Titi Ogufere, Essential Media Group and supported by Lagos State government, the festival, which commenced on Thursday, October 21, and runs through the end of the month, will take place in various venues across the city of Lagos.
Themed Design Revolution, DWL is committed to building a culture of innovation in Lagos and promoting the city as an international hub for design.
According to Ogufere, the idea is to encourage more Africans that are into interior designs. “Because product design is technical such that you need to ensure that it functions right, we are ensuring that designers and artists coming into the world of home décor and designing pieces with the creative knowledge and engineering are thorough with their pieces,” she said
Managing Partner/CEO Cubit Interior and Member Board of Design Week Lagos, Jacqueline Aki, also noted during the DWL roundtable that the idea is to showcase Nigeria’s creative side, the capabilities of the creative industry in Nigeria especially interior architecture product designing.
“So the festival is to give people the opportunity to showcase their designs and also empower them. It was discovered that out of almost 4000 big brands that produce furniture all over the world, there are only 11 blacks. So, the need to have more black designers arose, which is why we encourage black designers to embrace what the world expects of Africans. Africa has design objects with drawn inspiration from our traditions,” she said.
Why Design Week Is A Necessity
. To create a recognisable design culture for Nigeria and the continent.
. To make the city of Lagos a design hub so people can see the creative talents.
. To develop the Nigeria economy; the idea is to build the economy by creating a platform as this for creatives to bring in opportunity for the country.
. Highlights and explores new pathways in manufacturing methods as well as illuminating ingenuity in designs.
Check parameter For Designers
According to Aki, designers bringing in exhibitions are being curated, as a lot of these designers still need guidance.
“So we follow up on the products they are coming up with as designs are not just about what it looks like but how it works.”
Highlights of DWL
Design Kulture Exhibition – To showcase for sourcing furniture and design objects in Africa at White Space, an exhibition space run by A Whitespace Creative Agency.
DWL 2021 Prize – Designers will come up with solutions to meet various needs of the people, the economy and nations at large.
Made By Design – An original documentary series highlighting architects, interior and product designers in Africa.
IFI African Regional Roundtable – The roundtable brings together over 5,000 African designers, including practitioners, academic institutions, educators, professional associations, policy makers, governments and students.
