Is design all about what we see?

No, it isn’t – as a panel featuring Jason Bruges, Russian-born sound artist Ivan Pavlov (or COH) and Professor Alan Chambers from the School of Engineering Sciences will explain next week in a talk hosted by structural engineering consultancy Arup.

While Bruges may be famous for his all-singing-all dancing light-filled works, he’ll be exploring the idea that design is about more than the visual – what you feel and how you interact with it is just as important as what’s on the outside.

As well as hearing the wisdom of the designers on the panel, talk attendees will also be treated to a peek at the Up and Away interactive lighting exhibit, created by Arup’s Singapore office.

The installation is inspired by the fantasy that many of us will be familiar with, that we might, somehow, be able to fly. The faster users pedal, the brighter the five sets of psychedelic wings are illuminated. Although it’s still, sadly, a far cry from actual human flight, it looks pretty impressive.

The talk takes place on 19 September from 6.30pm – 10:00pm  at  8 Fitzroy Street W1T. It is free though booking is essential by emailing londonpenguinpool@arup.com.