Poltranova

“The body is your personal piece of architecture – the conduit through which we experience the world – so why not stimulate it? All I do, is unleash the fantasy dormant in our environment.” NIGEL COATES • A Family Affair – The Poltronova Connection: 17-25 September 2011, open daily 11am to 5pm Nigel Coates Studio: 25 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LQ Creativity needs collaboration – and in celebrated Italian design company, Poltronova, Nigel Coates has found the perfect partner. Based on artisanship and an Arcadian narrative, they launched their first collection in 1989. Those originals have spawned a new family of pieces. The three tables and two chairs are crafted from sandblasted and sculpted oak; and deliver an aesthetic which defines fluid, organic, open-plan living space. VIP Launch reception: Thursday 22 September 2011, 6-9pm • Conversation Corner: 17-25 September 2011, open daily 11am to 5pm Sackler Centre, V&A Museum, South Kensington, London SW7 This year the London Design Festival organiser’s base is located in the Brompton Design District, namely at the V&A Museum. Nigel Coates has been commissioned to transform an anteroom in the museum’s Sackler Centre into the LDF’s VIP & Press lounge. Showcasing his latest designs for the London-based manufacturer Hitch Mylius, the hm63 sofa system defines a meandering seating arrangement that is particularly conducive to making conversation. The seating is complimented by a lighting installation featuring the delicately stratified Faretto light designed by Coates for Italian lighting heavyweight Slamp. Coates’ scheme is one that is sure to create a space charged with atmosphere. VIP’s and Press are invited to conduct interviews and/or take a break in the space during this stimulating yet exhausting week. Launch reception: Thursday 22 September 2011, 4-6pm • Alsop and Friends: The Testbed: 19-25 September 2011, open daily 10am to 6pm Testbed, 33 Parkgate Road, London SW11 4NP Will Alsop’s venue The Testbed will be transformed into an exhibition featuring works by design royalty. Nigel Coates with FAT, Vivienne Westwood and the AOC will show innovative design items alongside Alsop in a spontaneous group show with an undoubtedly avant garde twist. Coates will create a special version of his hm63 sofa system manufactured by Hitch Mylius. Building on the organically shaped, modular hm63’s inherent movement, five components will be transformed by Coates using the oldest of decorative materials – paint. Accompanied by a group of Chapeau floor lamps, manufactured by Slamp, the hm63 sofa will define a lounge area within Alsop’s rusty, rough interior. Destined to be one of the most talked-about spots during the festival, Alsop & Friends at The Testbed will give well known designers a chance to throw caution to wind and have a bit of fun. It coincides with opening of Alsop’s Doodle Bar and Street Kitchen. Launch reception Friday 23 September 2011, 6pm-12am