Thomas Heatherwick, British designer and founder of Heatherwick Studio, discusses his latest designs, greatest works and the role of inspiration and creativity in the design and architecture sector in the UK.
Established by Thomas Heatherwick in 1994, Heatherwick Studio is recognised for its work in architecture, urban infrastructure, sculpture, design and strategic thinking. At the heart of the studio’s work is a profound commitment to finding innovative design solutions, with a dedication to artistic thinking and the latent potential of materials and craftsmanship. Their work includes a number of nationally significant projects for the UK, including the award-winning UK Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the Olympic Cauldron for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and the New Bus for London.
In his Smart Talk, Thomas focused on the challenges of creating designs that are unique and innovative; including an insight into his studio’s thought process behind the UK pavilion in Shanghai for the 2010 World Expo, which aimed to move away from generic thoughts about the UK. His engaging presentation was attended by students, design enthusiasts and competition winners at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.