Universal Fibers’ Fibre Garden offered a thoughtful example of circular design in practice, transforming colourful installation elements into inviting resting spaces across Clerkenwell. Beyond their visual impact, the pieces created moments of pause during a busy and warm festival, showing how sustainable design can be both purposeful and experiential. The use of colour, repetition and reconfiguration made the installation memorable, while reinforcing the idea that materials can be continually adapted, reused and given new value.

This idea carried through into another vibrant resting space, where sculptural arches and playful signage – including the prompt “How many can you see?” encouraged people to stop, look and engage. Together, these installations made the journey between showrooms feel more joyful, turning practical moments of rest into part of the wider design experience.

One of the most inspiring installations I came across at Clerkenwell Design Week was BinSight Benches by AQG DESIGN. What stood out was the way the project transformed materials typically seen as waste, particularly those that are difficult to recycle, into something practical, engaging and beautifully considered. The benches offered a place to pause; they encouraged visitors to think differently about material value, reuse and the potential of discarded objects. By incorporating QR codes linked to interactive quizzes, the installation added an educational layer that made sustainability feel accessible and memorable. These impactful installations were a reminder that waste can become a creative resource, and that thoughtful design has the ability to spark both conversation and change.

Tinker & Tallulah brought a beautifully atmospheric sense of theatre to Light, situated within the subterranean House of Detention. Set against the raw brickwork and vaulted character of the former Victorian prison, their handmade lampshades felt especially striking, casting a warm, nostalgic glow through layers of fringe, colour and Art Deco-inspired form. I was drawn to the way their lighting balanced playfulness with craftsmanship, creating pieces that felt both expressive and carefully made. Their space was gorgeous and memorable, showing how lighting can transform the interior and also the entire mood of a place.

Rols Carpets also stood out for the way they connected sustainability with heritage and transparency. With more than 100 years of experience designing and weaving custom-sized rugs and carpets in Crevillent, Spain, their approach felt rooted in craft. I was particularly drawn to the honesty of their story: a B Corp-certified company keeping production centralised, valuing textile tradition, and showing that sustainable design can be built through longevity, responsibility and considered making.