Legendary Balmond Studio looks to transform design dimensions at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2016

Architectural design for many is about defining a building, however for the world renowned spatial designer and Architect Cecil Balmond, it is much more than that. 

Cecil Balmond OBE is one of the most influential and daring designers of our time and is behind some of the most phenomenal architectural projects across the world such as the CCTV Tower in Beijing at the Tate Modern and ArcelorMittal Orbit and the iconic Serpentine Pavilions in London. 

Continuing Cecil’s legacy to his native island Sri Lanka is the Balmond Studio in Colombo led by John and James Balmond duo whose vision for design is as inspiring as their founder’s. Currently leading some of the most incredible architectural projects in Sri Lanka such as the JKH Waterfront, Balmond Studio has much to contribute to the collective body of creative knowledge in Sri Lanka. 

Taking a step towards sharing their ground-breaking work and cutting-edge philosophies on interior/architectural design with the general public of Sri Lanka, Balmond Studio is collaborating with the country’s most influential platform for design –Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) this November. Under the collaboration, Balmond Studio will be translating SLDF’s 2016 theme ‘Transformation’ into a visual interpretation at the Sri Lanka Design Festival Interior Design Exhibition.   

The idea of ‘transformation’ is one that is well in sync with Balmond Studio’s design philosophy. Stemming from Cecil Balmond’s vision for architecture and spatial design which is built on movement, fluidity and flexibility that transforms how we experience a built environment, the studio in Colombo too constantly looks to change the dynamic of space. 

Extending this vision to a public spectacle at Sri Lanka Design Festival, Balmond Studio is crafting the spatial experience that one will feel as they enter the festival premises at SLECC, Colombo. Balmond Studio’s team of creative led by John and James Bamlond are designing an entrance façade and installation that aims to set the experience of transformation as crowds enter SLECC for Sri Lanka Design Festival. 

Furthermore, to continue this experience throughout the festival premises along the extent of the SLDF Interior Design Exhibition and where the many talks, runways and conferences will happen, Balmond Studio is also designing a fabric roof wall that runs through the span of SLECC depicting specialty prints designed by the team to project the idea of transformation as crowds progress further into the premises. 

Balmond Studio’s collaboration with SLDF also extends to knowledge sharing; the studio’s creative director James Balmond will be part of SLDF’s Design Katha conference series. James’ session at Design Katha promises to be especially relevant to interior designers, design students, architects, furniture designers and any other creative professional interested in spaces and their creative dimensions. 

Balmond Studio and its collaboration with Sri Lanka Design Festival embodies how creative businesses are capable of harnessing the idea of transformation into the future. SLDF’s 2016 theme ‘Transformation’ aims to being inspiration for all major industries in the island to embrace change and harness its momentum as we enter an age of shifting dynamics. SLDF’s main organiser AOD works closely with Balmond Studio to progress interior design education in Sri Lanka with the much needed integration of industry knowledge. 

AOD will be hosting SLDF from 3 to 6 November and the event is supported by a series of influential creative businesses like Balmond Studios and several leading names from major industries. SLDF participants for the interior design exhibition include Raux Brothers, Fairway Holdings, Dulux, Anim8, Asoria, Swedish Trading, Clove Republic Colours & Shades, Dankotuwa, Delmege, Don Carolis, Euro Pantry, Exel Holdings, Fine Furniture, JAT Holdings, Koncept Centro, Space & Lalin Design, Light & Shade, Masterpieces, Ranjana’s Ceramic and Techwood. 

For more information, contact the SLDF secretariat on 076 777 0306, 5867772-3 email [email protected] or walk in between 9am-5pm to the Sri Lanka Design Festival Secretariat at AOD, 29, Laurie’s Road, Colombo 4.