Exciting Highlights from Melbourne Design Week 2023
Melbourne Design Week 2023 promises an engaging experience with over 350 events, including exhibitions, talks, and workshops. To provide insights into the most anticipated happenings, we spoke with six talented designers who shared their standout selections from this year’s program.
David Flack Chooses Design House Vol. 2
Event: Design House Vol. 2
Location: Oigall Projects, Fitzroy
Dates: 21–25 May
Interior designer David Flack is particularly drawn to the all-female exhibition, Design House Vol. 2. He expressed enthusiasm about the presence of Flack Studio’s associate, Linda Valentic, alongside nine other exceptional female designers from various disciplines. Among them are Sarah I’Anson Design Office, Marsha Golemac, and Helen Claire Davies. Flack believes this event will be a significant part of the Australian design landscape this year.
Volker Haug Anticipates 100 Lights
Event: 100 Lights
Location: Meat Market Stables
Dates: 15–18 May
Lighting designer Volker Haug is eager to attend 100 Lights, presented by Friends and Associates. For him, this showcase of emerging talents and established studios presents a unique opportunity to explore diverse perspectives on lighting. Haug anticipates that the range of innovative work will spark valuable conversations both within the industry and among the public. Additionally, he will display his retrospective, 20 Years of Volker Haug Studio, during Melbourne Design Week.
Bolaji Teniola’s Choice: Dancer Editions
Event: Dancer Editions
Location: 61 Victoria Street, Fitzroy
Dates: 21–25 May
Designer Bolaji Teniola highlights Dancer Editions, hosted by Coco Flip. This event showcases artistic luminaries in architecture and design through unique luminaire renditions created in collaboration with ceramicist Belinda Wiltshire. The auction of these pieces aims to raise funds for Seed Mob. Teniola encourages attendees to either bid on these stunning designs or simply admire their craftsmanship.
Jordan Fleming Selects Garniture
Event: Garniture
Location: Oigall Projects, Fitzroy
Dates: 15–25 May
Designer Jordan Fleming is looking forward to Garniture by Ella Saddington. He has long admired Saddington’s exploration of materials, likening her approach to an archaeological study. Her work reframes historical techniques into modern, compelling objects that require careful viewing to appreciate their complexity and craftsmanship.
Pascale Gomes-McNabb’s Unique Pick: Hat, Hand or Boot
Event: Hat, Hand or Boot: A Procedural Architecture Restaurant
Location: Rooftop Pavilion, Design Hub, Carlton
Date: 24 May
Designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb finds herself excited by a concept that fuses food, architecture, and social commentary. This event, featuring RMIT master’s students orchestrated by Long Prawn, challenges conventional dining experiences through innovative culinary presentations. Gomes-McNabb describes it as a “manifesto with snacks” and expresses eagerness for its thoughtful exploration of dining rituals and food waste.
Jessie French’s Top Picks
Events: Soft, Workshop by Fiona Lynch, A New Normal, Knot Pine
Locations: Various
Dates: 15–25 May
Designer Jessie French couldn’t settle on just one event. She is inspired by Soft, curated by Calum Hurley and Andy TT, and is particularly interested in the Workshop by Fiona Lynch, with notable work by Claudia Lau. French also finds the A New Normal exhibition vital for discussing sustainability in architecture and admires the Knot Pine project, which transforms a once-standing Monterey Pine into functional art.
Conclusion
Melbourne Design Week 2023 promises to be a vibrant affair, celebrating the creativity and innovation within the design community. With the designers highlighting diverse events, attendees are sure to find inspiration and excitement throughout the week. Make sure to explore these exceptional showcases to fully immerse yourself in Australia’s thriving design scene.
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