Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 will return to London’s EC1 district from 19–21 May 2026, celebrating its 15th edition with a new programme of large-scale public installations and an expanded awards scheme.
Organised by Media 10, the global design festival will introduce Design Interventions – a curated series of site-specific structures installed ברח Clerkenwell’s streets, parks and venues. The initiative follows an open call to emerging and established designers and architects, with selected proposals set to activate the neighbourhood through interactive and immersive experiences.
Design Interventions animate Clerkenwell
The installations are designed to encourage public engagement while exploring material innovation and the built environment. Many will function as temporary gathering points, inviting visitors to sit, reflect and connect.
Among the selected works is Fountain of Technicolour Beads by Hong Kong studio One Bite Design, which will be installed on Clerkenwell Green. The terrazzo-based structure addresses colour vision deficiency through an immersive spatial experience.
Nearby, architectural practice StudioFolk will present The Crinkle-Crankle Bench beside St James’ Church Clerkenwell. Formed from natural stone bricks, the half-crescent seating installation references traditional serpentine wall forms.
At Haberdashers’ Hall, a “living” installation titled The Pulse of Becoming will evolve over the course of the festival. Created by graduates Musab Umair, Amruta Ramesh Pullawar and Sharath Binu John, the piece incorporates chia seeds embedded within sculptural forms that gradually sprout, symbolising cycles of life and regeneration.
Expanded CDW Awards launch with Design Milk
A key highlight for 2026 is the expanded CDW Awards, presented in partnership with Design Milk. Taking place on 19 May at Haberdashers’ Hall, the awards will recognise not only standout products across furniture, lighting and materials, but also the individuals and studios driving innovation in the industry.
New categories will spotlight “disruptors, dreamers and doers”, reflecting a broader focus on creative impact and forward-thinking design.
New venues across historic Clerkenwell
The 2026 edition will introduce several new venues, including the Museum of the Order of St John at St John’s Gate. The historic site will host INTERIORS FROM SPAIN, a contemporary design showcase produced by Disegno.
Other additions include Material Source Studio and Workplace on the Square, located near The Zetter Hotel, focusing on materials innovation and workplace design respectively.
Meanwhile, returning venues such as St Bartholomew the Great will once again host the Church of Design. The medieval building will feature installations including CONFLUENCE, an origami-inspired suspended structure by Fung+Bedford, alongside exhibitions from international brands such as Roche Bobois, DEDON and MAGIS.
The Conversations at Clerkenwell talks programme will also return, curated by Katie Richardson and sponsored by Dulux, featuring discussions on key topics shaping contemporary design.
Lighting, installations and international brands
The House of Detention will again host the Light exhibition, showcasing global lighting brands. Visitors will be welcomed by Loom Light, a 3D-printed installation created by MIMStudios in collaboration with AI Build and SEAM Design.
Across Clerkenwell, a mix of historic and contemporary venues – including Old Sessions House and The Charterhouse – will host exhibitions spanning furniture, surfaces, textiles and product design.
Confirmed exhibitors include String Furniture, Moroso, Dornbracht and Vincent Sheppard, alongside national showcases from Austria, Denmark and Italy.
Digital-first visitor experience
For 2026, the festival will introduce a new digital app, replacing printed guides. The platform will allow visitors to navigate venues, plan itineraries and access exhibitor information in real time.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 takes place across EC1, London, from 19–21 May, with installations, exhibitions and talks programme spread throughout the district. Registration is now open via the official festival website.