A few weeks away from the launch of the London Design Festival 15th edition, due to open on September, 16 in the City, we met with director Ben Evans to have a nice chat about novelties, relationships with public institutions, visions for the future of design and, of course, about Brexit.

The London Design Festival is going to celebrate its first 15th anniversary. Which goals are set for the new edition?

Surely to reach new kinds of audiences. From year to year, we have been realizing that there are myriads of design lovers around the world. This year, more than ever, we would like to create a new experience, a break from an all too fast-running world, an opportunity for all to stop and enjoy a rich schedule of events and beautiful must-sees, complete with thrilling itineraries and destinations.

The bond with the V&A Museum has been further reinforced. Which novelties are going to be presented?

After 9 years sharing projects with the V&A, we decided to make it the LFD's official main Hub. There will be a lot to see, starting from installations commissioned to famous artists such as Ross Lovegrove, Elias, Yousef Anastas, and Flynn Talbot, all of them going to transform our locations into something spectacular, absolute must-sees.

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What has changed since 15 years ago?

The London Design Festival has been incredibly growing. Not just in terms of mere numbers but in terms of stories to recount as well. We have managed to create new experiences – from 25m high towers to interactive rooms equipped with the most sophisticated lighting installations. In the meanwhile, our visitors’ expectations have grown exponentially, too. It is a growingly exciting challenge for us, who try not to disappoint them in the course of the festival’s different editions, but rather to amaze them.

What do you see in the nearby future?

It is hard to tell. I believe we will aim at more and more sustainable projects through the experimentation on new materials. There are whole new worlds to explore, e.g. that of new energies.

For years, Great Britain has been home to great talents, who have become known and managed to make both ends meet here. What will be Brexit’s role in that regard, in years to come?

Luckily, design in the UK is not only from the UK. It is a continually evolving planning language, constantly enriched by influences from all over the world. This can happen because our design community is the most international on Earth. If the Brexit is going to create problems for many designers who wish to work in the UK, we will be in trouble, too. Our field will be reduced, it will lose its dominant position and our reputation will be shattered. Awful to say, I know, and I strongly hope that will not happen at all.

Some absolute must-sees at the London Design Festival.

The Design Frontiers project at Somerset House, where more than 30 great designers are going to display their works through exhibitions and installations. The Brixton Design District, where the most talented local designers will be the undisputed protagonists. Brodie Neill’s installation Drop in the Ocean, hosted at the ME Hotel: a spectacular project dealing in an original manner with the subject of oceans polluted by plastic waste. And then Villa Walala, a Landmark Project by artist Camille Walala, realized in partnership with British Land, a most colorful children’s playground in the city.

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www.londondesignfestival.com

Opening photo: London Design Festival director Ben Evans talks about future goals and novelties of the great fair celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2017.