Heart of glass

Renowned for their unique approach combining art, science and technology, the London-based Marshmallow Laser Feast create immersive experiences that expand human perception. Employing a wealth of creative disciplines and underpinned by research, they invite participants to navigate with a sensory perception beyond the everyday. “A lot of our work is about drawing attention to the richness of our everyday existence,” says creative director Barnaby Steel, “Our aim is to create experiences that make people think differently.”

The installation delves into the craftsmanship of glassmaking, exploring how human breath meets molten glass to create forms that are at once fragile and resilient. “Glass blowing has its own language, where gravity, liquid glass and human breath meet in a frozen form, like words suspended in time and space,” Steel explains. This idea underpins the installation, which features delicate glass forms suspended in mid-air, each representing the search for strength within fragility. “We incorporated failed experiments into a collage of hundreds of individual pieces,” says Steel.

As visitors move through the space, an interplay of light and shadow unfolds, in a profound exploration of form. A slowly orbiting single light source casts undulations across the white walls, while a bespoke soundscape by the composer James Bulley adds a layer of sensory immersion.

However, the installation is more than just a stunning visual experience – it represents the Johnnie Walker commitment to design innovation and years of research. “As a brand, we’re not afraid to try new things, even if it means we sometimes might not get it right first time,” says Jeremy Lindley, global design director at Diageo.

The installation offers a tantalising glimpse into the brand’s vision for the future of luxury design. “We’re proud of our more than 200-year history and are striding confidently into the next two centuries,” Lindley adds.

But ‘Liquid Light’ is not just a celebration of glass. At its core lies a first- of-its-kind design innovation that Johnnie Walker will unveil at the beginning of the festival. Lindley notes: “We are set to unveil a design innovation that has been years in the making, one that we hope will drive progress for years to come.”

The collaboration with Marshmallow Laser Feast is central to this vision. “They share our desire as a brand to push boundaries,” Lindley explains. “Their approach of inviting audiences to navigate with a sensory perception beyond the everyday perfectly complements our values and vision for the future.”

 This forward-thinking ethos is reflected in the installation, which explores failure as a catalyst for progress and makes a bold statement on the future of luxury, rethinking and embracing sustainability as a cornerstone. “Our approach to innovation is about experimenting boldly, looking ahead and committing to a more sustainable future,” Lindley says.

Beyond the installation, Johnnie Walker will open the Global Design Forum. A day of talks centred around the theme ‘Please Design Responsibly’ underscores this commitment to responsible progress. “Consumers can count on us to continue pushing boundaries with new approaches to luxury and design,” says Jennifer English, Johnnie Walker’s global brand director. “We're staying true to the Johnnie Walker legacy of crafting iconic Scotch whisky while looking to the future.”

Over the day, discussions will explore strategies for innovating in luxury through sustainable, collaborative approaches. Conversations will centre around barriers to alternative materials and creative solutions for reducing waste – principles embodied within the brand’s own design innovation. The future of luxury and the role of the designer is critically examined, exploring how the field must evolve to meet environmental, social and technological challenges.

In closing, Lindley says: “We’re always challenging ourselves to look ahead to what our next steps could be. It’s about being part of a larger movement that promotes innovation and is a brilliant way for us to both inspire and be inspired as we continue to drive progress.”