DE S IGN CENTRE
TOGETHER FLOCK
The importance of belonging came sharply into focus when some of our personal freedoms were taken away, but now the concept of community has been revitalised, both at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour and beyond
The need to belong is one of human nature’s strongest desires, so when our freedom to interact with others was largely taken away in the spring of 2020, it left a gap in our lives. Slowly, though, a sense of community has returned, and has arguably been rebuilt even stronger, as we now more deeply appreciate what we may have previously taken for granted. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is no different. It
has always worked hard to build and maintain a sense of community, whether through its events programme, its loyal social media following or nurturing relationships with those who use the showrooms every day. But there
is a feeling that something has shifted up a gear, too: at Focus/21 in September, excitement about reconnecting with others and seeing new launches in person was palpable. Showroom events returned on a wide scale; an Inspiration Gallery in the North Dome brought together all the new season’s design directions in one place; and Conversations in Design, the acclaimed talks programme, could once again take to the main stage with real speakers, and a real audience. Staffan Tollgård, co-founder of Tollgard, says that
“the Design Centre’s events exert a magnetic pull, curating relevant and focused events that our design
community value and visit. Through each event, we are able to offer our customers, colleagues and industry peers a chance to be inspired, to connect with one another and to discover innovative new designs. A unique dialogue is nurtured, and relationships – indeed friendships – are fostered.” As well as taking part in both a physical and a digital
session for Focus/21, the Tollgard showroom has been a participant in two events in the Design Avenue over the past few months. In October, The Art of Outdoor Living saw this magnificent space given over to all things outdoors, from furniture to fabrics to lighting –
ABOVE At Focus/21, the North Dome was turned into the Inspiration Gallery, with a number of vignettes featuring the latest design directions, drawing visitors in as soon as they entered the Design Centre. The show in September also saw the return of physical talks and showroom events on a wide scale
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