What made you want to launch a new conference within the design and architecture space?
I launched the Material Matters podcast over six years ago. During that time it has built a large, and loyal, following.
We thought listeners (and others) would be keen to see some of the guests in the flesh and hear more about the issues that have been discussed over 140 or so episodes. We also thought it would be a good opportunity to invite other speakers, who we would like on the podcast in the future. We think we have a hugely strong speaker programme.
What gaps did you notice in existing conferences or events?
We don’t think we’ve seen a conference that explores materials ‘in the round’ like Material Matters will. Again this is largely taken from the podcast, which began by concentrating on craft and makers, before widening its remit and talking to designers, architects, engineers, developers, scientists and writers.
For Assemble, we’re picking up three key themes: fashion, transport and housing and investigating how materials can impact them.
How did you approach curating the programme: what were you looking for in speakers, topics or formats?
We wanted the first Assemble to take as broad a sweep of the world of materials as possible – showing their relationship to the wider economy (and bearing in mind it’s taking place in the Bank of England). William and I have been working in the design industry for years and have seen scores of people speak. I have also organised the talks programme for the London fair for the past four years. So between us we have an innate sense of who works together and what will draw an audience.
We also wanted people from different backgrounds, so the programme includes writers, academics, architects, product designers, curators, architects, developers, fashion designers, transport designers, and, of course, people making materials.
Many have been on podcast and so feel part of the Material Matters ‘family’.
What new knowledge or insights will delegates gain that they can apply in their own work?
Material Matters has always been a cross-disciplinary platform. We are hoping that delegates will learn from other disciplines and develop new ways of thinking. What information can a car designer glean from an architect, for example? By the same token, if they happen to be in the same profession then they will be listening to some of the best brains in their field. Professor Rebecca Earley can explain how we need to redesign our global systems if we want the fashion industry to become circular, for instance, while Tim Minshall is an acknowledged expert when it comes to manufacturing and how we can make things more sustainably, to give just two examples.
Hopefully, everyone can also learn something from our ‘Show and tell’ session where we have four companies doing extraordinary things with materials explaining how they create their work, which ranges from packaging made of seaweed to a designer making new products from human hair.
How might the conference help them expand their professional network or discover new collaborators?
The conference is cross-disciplinary and it will encourage the delegates to discover new ideas and to meet people from different walks of professional life. We believe it will become a vital place for a cross-fertilisation of knowledge. Networking sessions throughout the day will allow delegates to meet one another as well as our distinguished speakers. Assemble has an array of experts in their field. From Caroline Till, who founded the hugely influential Material Futures course at Central Saint Martin’s, to Maria Kafel-Bentkowska, associate director, Colour, Material and Finish, at transport designer PriestmanGoode, via Paul Monaghan, executive director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects and part of the Design Council’s Homes Taskforce.
Will delegates gain exposure to new materials, technologies or ways of thinking that could directly inform projects?
Yes. We have a ‘Show and tell’ session where delegates will be able to hear from the likes of seaweed packaging brand Notpla (which won the first Earthshot prize in 2022) and Kenoteq, which creates low carbon building materials.
How do you see Assemble evolving, is this the beginning of an ongoing dialogue or community?
It’s part of an ongoing dialogue, along with the platform’s other components. We see Material Matters as a knowledge hub for material intelligence and something that brings people together to learn and understand more about the importance, and possibilities, of materials.
What’s the core idea or feeling you hope people take away from the day?
We hope people are educated and entertained, informed and inspired.
Assemble with Material Matters takes place on 20 November at the Bank of England Conference Centre. You can see the full programme here. Tickets are £175 (+VAT) and available until 6 November. Secure your place now.