CAN DESIGN SAVE THE WORLD?

The highlight of the festival is set to be the exhibition George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher, which enables you to explore the visionary work of George Nelson, one of the most influential figures in American design during the second half of the twentieth century.

Nelson was not only a leading designer and notable architect, but also a prominent author, editor, lecturer, exhibition designer and a passionate photographer. As design director of Herman Miller, Nelson created classics of modern furniture and interior design such as the Ball Clock (1947), Coconut Chair (1956), the Marshmallow Sofa (1956), Bubble Lamps (starting in 1952) and Action Office (1964).

Another festival highlight is the Edible Walls exhibit at the Powerhouse Museum Cafe. This installation demonstrates what lies ahead for the future of city food. As well as admiring the beautiful edible walls on display you can also attend workshops on how to make one yourself using recycled soft drink bottles. Mark Paul of The Greenwall Company devised the ingenious PET Project Greenwalls (backed by Landcare Australia) which was a finalist of the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

For film goers, you can also tune into a program of films showing at Kings Cinema in Ultimo to celebrate the Film Australia Collection (FAC) turning 100. To celebrate they will be screening a selection of archival films which will transport you back in time to discover our passion for invention and design in industry, fashion and architecture from 1940s -1980s.

Sydney Design 2013 will feature a range of events, exhibitions, markets, talks and tours and runs from 3-18 August. All program details are available on the website.