Surry Hills transformed into a lively hub of creativity and innovation at Saturday Indesign 2026, held on September 12th. The event brought together designers, architects, and enthusiasts to explore how design influences our sensory experiences and daily lives.
Immersive Experiences and Hands-On Learning
Across the precinct, showrooms became interactive spaces where visitors could engage with materials, techniques, and ideas. Miss Amara offered a tactile journey through rug-making, while Tappeti Rugs showcased the art of tufting and the impact of material choices. Wilkhahn added a competitive twist with its chair-building challenge, highlighting sustainable design principles.
At Savage Design, the Ministry of Metal sessions allowed participants to experiment with different metals, understanding their properties and applications. This hands-on approach made technical knowledge accessible and engaging, turning the showroom into a material laboratory.
Sensory Exploration and Collaborative Creation
The event emphasized the interplay of light, sound, and texture. Euroluce, Bang & Olufsen, and Bolon collaborated to create an immersive environment where visitors could experience how these elements shape atmosphere.
A panel discussion, The Sensory Surface, featured Dr. Hayley North, Donn Salisbury, and Brooke Lloyd, exploring how design impacts wellbeing and connection. Moderated by Alice Blackwood, the discussion spanned two sessions.
At Advanta, students from Billy Blue College of Design reimagined the showroom with an immersive installation, Shrouded. Visitors could also participate in the R&D Voting Lab, influencing future product development. Live demonstrations and interactive activities kept the atmosphere dynamic and inclusive.
Designing for Everyday Life and Sensory Experiences
Alex Weller, founder and chief creative officer, expanded the discussion through Designed for Real Life, addressing the gap between aesthetic design and functional living spaces. This initiative introduced practical considerations of comfort, durability, and daily use, while also launching Miss Amara Trade.
Material Innovation and Sustainable Choices
Created with Murray Industrial Hemp, an installation used a modular sofa to connect architecture, furniture, and sustainable materials. Visitors engaged with 3D-printed models to design their own configurations, exploring the system’s adaptability.
Nature, Craft, and Cultural Connections
An installation drew on Finnish folklore, bringing furniture, textiles, and sculptural environments together in a quiet, immersive experience. It offered a moment to slow down and reflect on the connection between environment, ritual, craft, and design.
Molteni&C celebrated its Sydney flagship with Geometry of Nature, a floral installation by September Studio. Set among pieces by Vincent Van Duysen, Gio Ponti, and other designers, the exhibit created a dialogue between organic form, architectural geometry, and the timeless quality of the furniture collection.
Nook Collections connected light, making, and hospitality throughout the day. Installations by Parachilna, ILANEL, and Mark Studio complemented the showroom’s lighting collections. An origami workshop inspired by Parachilna’s Oïphorique installation demonstrated how folded forms become sculptural when illuminated. A glassblowing experience with Mark and Simi Eliott allowed participants to contribute to a collaborative sculpture, showcasing the transformative power of heat, breath, and shared creation.
The official Saturday Indesign Design Discussion at Nook Collections focused on atmosphere, emotion, and wellbeing through lighting. Genevieve Wild, Jason Gibney, and Ilan El joined moderator Kate Goodwin for a discussion on the intangible qualities that make spaces resonate. Breakfast, lunch, and the Golden Hour Social extended these conversations, with attendees lingering among the installations as the day concluded.
