We’ve collated a list of thought-provoking events, installations and discussions not to miss at Melbourne Design Week 2024 – Australia’s largest and foremost design celebration.
Australian Furniture Design Award 2024
Presented by Stylecraft and NGV
Discover the best in Australian furniture and lighting design at the Australian Furniture Design Award (AFDA) 2024, presented by Stylecraft and the NGV. Explore the shortlisted entries from the prestigious competition, now in its fifth edition, at the Stylecraft showroom on Flinders Lane. With the competition process developed and delivered by CityLab, the winning designer receives a cash prize of AUD $20,000 and the opportunity for commercial production with Stylecraft. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by the industry’s finest.
Stylecraft exhibition closes Fri 31 May, 2024
AFDA 2024 winning entry, ‘Chronicles of Resilience’ by Australian-Portuguese architect and multidisciplinary designer Marta Figueiredo | Photography by Ben Moynihan
AFDA 2024 winning entry, ‘Chronicles of Resilience’ by Australian-Portuguese architect and multidisciplinary designer Marta Figueiredo | Photography by Ben Moynihan
Artisinal cabinets by Nae Tanakorn for AFDA 2024 | Photography by Ben Moynihan
Handcrafted pieces by Jessie French for Material Matters 02 by BETA and Atelier | Photography by Matt McQuiggann
Hemp stools by Hempanel for Material Matters 02 by BETA and Atelier | Photography by Matt McQuiggann
Material Matters 02
Presented by BETA by STH BNK and Atelier
Thurs 23 May – Sat 1 Jun, 2024
Material Matters 02 delves into the world of sustainable materials in retail design, from initial concepts to practical applications. Explore the work of architects, designers, and artisans shaping the future of our built environment towards sustainability. Engage in insightful conversations with these innovators as they push boundaries and explore new possibilities in material use. Born from Atelier’s forward-thinking artisan-in-residence program within BETA by STH BNK and supported by industry leaders like Laminex and Acoufelt, Material Matters 02 offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of materials.
This exhibition includes special events.
25 May 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Floor Talks by: Other Matter, DnJ Paper, Cordon Salon
Sat 01 Jun 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Floor Talks by: Breathe, Nexus x Design Futures Lab
This structure was crafted by Cera Stribley, featuring Mycelium panels grown by Flynn Williams and Mycelium pendants by Richard Greenacre, Mechelle Shooter, and Josh Reisel for Material Matters 02 by BETA and Atelier | Photography by Matt McQuiggann
The Soniah collection by Victoria Yakusha for FAINA Design | Photography courtesy of Victoria Yakusha
The Ztista chair by Victoria Yakusha for FAINA Design | Photography courtesy of Victoria Yakusha
Ethics | Foreign Dialogues
Presented by FIN Gallery
Wed 29 May – Sat 1 Jun, 2024
Explore the ethical dimensions of collectible design through the work of Viktoriia Yakusha, renowned for her ‘live design’ philosophy. Discover Yakusha’s innovative use of sustainable materials rooted in Ukrainian cultural heritage, including her signature sculptural pieces crafted from Ztista, a material she developed composed of recycled paper, clay, hay, and other natural elements. With annual awards and widespread recognition, Yakusha’s collectible design exhibitions draw thousands of attendees in Europe, Asia, and America. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Yakusha’s acclaimed work firsthand.
This exhibition includes special events.
Wed 29 May 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Opening Event
Fri 31 May 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Talk: Ukrainian Design and Minimalism
The Ztista chairs, Ztista oval table and Soniah pendant by Victoria Yakusha for FAINA Design | Photography courtesy of Victoria Yakusha
Installation view of Aluminium, 11 May–22 June at Craft Victoria, with works by Andrew Carvolth, Abdé Nouamani, Alexander Brown and Bel Williams | Photography by Sarah Forgi
ALUMINIUM
Presented by Craft Victoria
Thurs 23 May – Sat 1 Jun, 2024
ALUMINIUM invites you to explore the world of this versatile material. Six designers, makers, and artists showcase its diverse applications within contemporary material practice, using exclusively recycled aluminium sourced locally. From post-industrial waste sites to hyper-intelligent machine manufacturing and even discarded soda cans and studio offcuts, waste aluminium takes centre stage as a prized local material, reclaimed and repurposed to craft sculptural and practical design objects. This exhibition marks the launch of Conscious Craft, a Craft Victoria initiative highlighting the work of makers and designers actively considering sustainability and ethics in their production methods and material usage.
Installation view of Andrew Carvolth’s work in Aluminium, 11 May–22 June at Craft Victoria | Photography by Sarah Forgie
Installation view of Aluminium, 11 May–22 June at Craft Victoria, with works by Alexander Brown, Andrew Carvolth and Bel Williams | Photography by Sarah Forgi
CRUX | CRAFTING LIGHT FROM THE ESSENCE OF THE COSMOS
Presented by Christopher Boots
Thurs 23 May – Sun 2 Jun, 2024
Join Christopher Boots Studio at their offsite atelier for an enchanting journey into the realm of lighting design. Their exhibition, CRUX, is an immersive lighting installation inspired by the ethereal beauty of the Southern Cross constellation. Discover hand-blown glass forms created by local artisans as the studio translates the metaphysical into matter. Departing from the studio’s signature library of quartz crystal, the collection maintains its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be transported to an otherworldly lunar landscape of CRUX.
Bookings essential.
The CRUX installation by Christopher Boots for Melbourne Design Week 2024 | Photography by Annika Kafcaloudis
The CRUX installation by Christopher Boots for Melbourne Design Week 2024 | Photography by Annika Kafcaloudis
The CRUX installation by Christopher Boots for Melbourne Design Week 2024 | Photography by Annika Kafcaloudis
Aglow
Presented by HotHaus Glass Studio
Thurs 23 May – Mon 27 May, 2024
Explore Aglow, the debut lighting collection from HotHaus Glass Studio. Founded by glass artists Amanda Dziedzic and Laurel Kohut, HotHaus is a celebration of traditional glass blowing with a contemporary twist. As a female-led studio in Heidelberg West, HotHaus embraces diverse creative expressions, crafting everything in-house, from homewares to lighting. Reflecting HotHaus’ renowned appreciation for colour, the collection draws inspiration from the Australian skies, bringing the outdoors in and infusing interiors with crafted illumination and vibrant hues.
Aglow by HotHaus Glass Studio | Photography by Martina Gemmola
Aglow by HotHaus Glass Studio | Photography by Martina Gemmola
The Hands That Touch The Timber
Presented by Elton Group and Tongue & Groove
Thurs 23 May – Sat 1 Jun, 2024
Experience an immersive exhibition celebrating the beauty and tactility of timber at the Tongue & Groove Richmond showroom. This captivating journey invites you to explore timber’s evolution from seed to final form. Learn about its transformation from resource to artistry as you engage with uniquely crafted forms curated by creative visionaries from design, photography, journalism, and art. Gain a deeper appreciation for timber’s rich history and significance in our world.
Bookings essential.
This exhibition includes special events.
Sat 25 May 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Meet The Makers
Wed 29 May 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Design Community Event
Sat 01 Jun 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Meet The Makers
The Hands That Touch The Timber by Elton Group and Tongue & Groove | Photography courtesy of Elton Group
The Hands That Touch The Timber by Elton Group and Tongue & Groove | Photography by Francis Lim
Melbourne Design Week runs from 23rd May – 2nd June 2024.