Architecture and design enthusiasts have an exciting lineup of exhibitions and events to explore this August, ranging from London's innovative multi-sensory installations to international design fairs across Asia. The Dezeen Events Guide highlights five standout events that showcase everything from swimming culture to contemporary floral art.
The month marks the final opportunity to visit several major exhibitions that have been drawing crowds throughout the summer. Three significant London-based shows are approaching their closing dates, while international events in South Korea and Indonesia offer fresh perspectives on design and culture.
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style at London's Design Museum runs through August 17, making this the last month to experience this comprehensive exploration of aquatic culture. The exhibition features over 200 objects that tell the story of swimming through three distinct themes: the pool, the lido, and nature. Visitors can explore the evolution of swimwear, water-based architecture, and aquatic sports through an impressive collection of artifacts.
Among the notable pieces on display are an Olympic gold medal, Pamela Anderson's iconic Baywatch swimsuit, and a detailed model of the London 2012 Aquatics Centre designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The exhibition demonstrates how swimming has influenced fashion, architecture, and popular culture over the past century.
Running until August 31 at the Barbican Centre, Feel the Sound offers a groundbreaking multi-sensory experience that examines humanity's complex relationship with sound. This innovative exhibition explores how people interact with and are influenced by various forms of audio experiences. The ambitious show spans multiple areas of the Barbican Centre, including the entrance, foyer, main exhibition space, and even the car park.
Feel the Sound features 11 distinct installations, with four being specially commissioned pieces created specifically for this exhibition and four others being adapted projects. The comprehensive approach allows visitors to experience sound in ways they may never have considered before, challenging traditional notions of how we perceive and interact with our auditory environment.
Also closing on August 31, the Saatchi Gallery presents Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art and Culture, an extensive exhibition that examines the cultural significance of flowers and botanical elements across various media. This comprehensive show features an impressive collection of 500 objects, including pieces from art, fashion, and graphic design that highlight how florals have been represented in art, design, music, film, and literature.
The exhibition's centerpiece is a specially commissioned installation by artist Rebecca Louise Law, featuring over 100,000 dried flowers arranged in a bespoke artistic display. This massive floral installation demonstrates the continued relevance and artistic potential of botanical themes in contemporary art.
International design enthusiasts can look forward to Space Design Fair, taking place from July 30 to August 2 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. This annual four-day event serves as a comprehensive showcase for furniture, appliances, finishes, materials, and lighting solutions. Beyond traditional exhibitions, Space Design Fair offers valuable services including brand consultations, spatial design offerings, and digital marketing solutions for industry professionals.
The fair represents South Korea's growing influence in the international design world and provides a platform for both established and emerging designers to showcase their latest innovations. Attendees can explore cutting-edge trends in interior design, architecture, and product development while networking with industry professionals from across Asia and beyond.
From August 14 to 18, Indonesia hosts Jia Curated at Bali Festival Park, a five-day celebration of design, craft, and culture. This year's festival features more than 70 exhibitions operating under the theme "Evolving Perspectives." The event explores concepts of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability while championing diversity and inclusion in design and cultural expression.
Jia Curated represents the growing importance of Southeast Asian design perspectives in the global creative community. The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience Indonesian creativity alongside international influences, creating a dynamic cultural exchange that reflects the region's evolving design identity.
The Dezeen Events Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for architecture and design events worldwide, updated weekly to include virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions, and design weeks. Basic listings in the guide are free, with events selected at Dezeen's discretion. Event organizers can enhance their listings with images, additional text, and links through standard, enhanced, or featured options for a modest fee.
For those seeking guaranteed inclusion, partnership opportunities with Dezeen are available. The guide represents Dezeen's commitment to supporting the global design community by providing accessible information about significant events and opportunities for professional development and cultural enrichment.
These August events demonstrate the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary design culture, from historical examinations of swimming's cultural impact to cutting-edge explorations of sensory experience. Whether interested in traditional crafts, contemporary art, or innovative design solutions, this month offers exceptional opportunities to engage with the creative community both locally and internationally.
