London Design Biennale looks to get emotional

The second London Design Biennale will explore the emotional states of joy, stress and sadness through installations from 40 countries and regions, according to organizers.

Artistic director Christopher Turner told AFP on Wednesday that the event, to be held at the iconic Somerset House during September, would showcase works from around the world in an attempt to “put an end to the eurocentric understanding of design.

“Every geographic region is represented. We traveled to Africa, to the Middle-East, to South America and we made sure that Africa was better represented this year,” he added.

The 2018 edition will take over the entirety of Somerset House, with organizers saying that the entries “will explore how design affects every aspect of our lives – the way we live and how we live – and influences our very emotions, being and experiences.”

The Canadian installation will offer an immersive journey through its evocatively named cities such as “Hope” and “Happy adventure.”

The Beirut contribution offers visitors a “silent room” where they rest, isolated from outside noise and the sensory overload of the city.

The event also gives a special space to refugees, under the theme “stateless persons.”

The public will be able to visit a shelter, with the aim that they can “better empathize with them” and “understand the privileges of our lives.”