Design Week Lagos (DWL), Africa’s most significant annual design festival, is back for its third edition. Running from today, October 21 through 31, the event will present the best in contemporary architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphic design, and technology from across the continent. The theme this year is Design Revolution, and it explores how African designers are breaking new ground in manufacturing methods and information sharing, allowing this growing community better ways to tap into its rich history of craftsmanship and material knowledge.
Given the limitations the pandemic presents to any festival, while DWL is taking place in a series of venues across Lagos, it will also be broadcast digitally, allowing people around the world to check in on this burgeoning design scene. Here are a few of the major highlights:
The Design Kulture exhibition
This exhibition is an annual showcase for sourcing furniture and design objects in Africa. It is held at White Space, an exhibition space run by A Whitespace Creative Agency. The show serves as a hinge point between decision-makers in the design and manufacturing industry, and a bridge between manufacturers and design practitioners in the region, as well as international buyers, design enthusiasts, and collaborators. This year’s exhibitors include Studio Lani, Nifemi Bello, Tosin Oshinowo, Olu Amoda, Damola Rufai, Tunde Owolabi, Aga Concept, Tekura, Osaru Alile, Titilailai, Demas Nwoko, Ozioma Onuzulike, Diseye Tantua, Belevence, and Mowarin Christian. There will also be special projects on view from Maki Oh and Adebayo Oke Lawal.
DWL 2021 Prize
This annual prize is the result of a student competition held each year at the festival. Participants in 2021 were asked to come up with solutions that address major global concerns, such as rapidly growing populations, resource scarcity, cultural development, and climate change. The prize seeks to broaden the understanding of the term “design” and the role it plays in our daily lives.
Made by Design Docuseries Launch
DWL is hosting the premiere of Made by Design, an original documentary series on Netflix that highlights African architects and designers. The series was created by DWL founder Titi Ogufere. Directed and co-produced by Emmy award winning filmmaker Abiola Matesun, the first season profiles some of the current top Nigerian creative talents, shedding light on their lives, work, and inspirations.
IFI African Regional Roundtable
The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is hosting its annual roundtable at DWL. Taking place on October 21, this interactive virtual event will allow the design community of Africa to discuss the IFI Education Policy. In addition, the roundtable will also see the launch of The Interior Design Professional Guide for Africa and the Middle East by Ogufere, a resource guide for managing and sourcing interior projects in the region, including a directory of vendors.
