Future Matter: Crafting Sustainable Futures

Future Matter is a curated exhibition presented as part of London Design Festival 2026, exploring sustainable material futures through contemporary design, craft, textiles, innovative products, and research-led practices. Organised by Nest – A Lab, the exhibition brings together Abe Yanti, Aleksandra Tarnowska, Andrea Dritschel, Anna-Maria Stavreva, Can-Fen Wang, Junghyun Kim, Margo Misiak-Orlovic, Tom Blackmore, and YouJin Seo, whose practices explore circular materials, responsible production, speculative design, traditional craftsmanship, urban mining, and experimental material research. Taking the object as a connecting thread, Future Matter follows different stages of an object’s journey, from material collection and sourcing, through material development and experimentation, to product design, making, craftsmanship, and everyday use. Through home objects, wearable objects, installations, material samples, prototypes, and research, the exhibition brings together diverse perspectives on how materials can be collected, transformed, designed, and crafted in response to environmental challenges. Presented at ASC Handbag Factory, the exhibition forms part of the official London Design Festival 2026 programme. Admission is free and open to the public. The public programme includes an Artist Talk with Dr. Sofie Boons on 12 September at 16:30, followed by an Opening Reception from 18:00–21:00. Curated by Emma (Xinyan) Gu, with academic guidance from Dr. Sofie Boons, whose research and material practice are also represented in the exhibition.