In the Making 2.0: An exhibition with Material Matters

We are excited to partner with tp bennett to bring In the Making 2.0 to the London Design Festival’s Material Matters fair. Hosted at the iconic Space House in central London, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the environmental impact of design and the evolving role of materials in shaping a more responsible future.

Material Matters, the only trade fair within the London Design Festival, is a platform for exploring material intelligence, sustainability and innovation. This year, the fair takes place from 17–20 September 2025, occupying an entire floor of Space House.

“By curating this exhibition, we aim to spotlight the suppliers who are leading the way in material innovation and transparency, showing that intelligent design begins with informed choices. This is about shifting the conversation from what looks good to what does good and helping architects and designers make decisions that support a regenerative future.” — Lucy Bagshaw, Project Director, tp bennett

In The Making 2.0 builds on the success of last year’s edition by addressing the true cost of what we create, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The exhibition is structured around three elemental zones: Land, Water, and Atmosphere, echoing the original environmentalist framework and offering a thematic lens through which to explore material impact. Each zone will feature curated contributions from leading suppliers who are committed to safeguarding natural resources and are redefining how materials are sourced, processed, and maintained.

This year’s participants include: AkzoNobel, Tarkett, Impact Acoustic, Alusid, Kvadrat, Andreu World, Domus, Arper and Modus.

Together, these companies will showcase how design decisions can mitigate harm to our planet’s ecosystems and promote regenerative practices. From avoiding raw material extraction to eliminating harmful adhesives and enabling repair, the exhibition highlights the intelligence embedded in material choices. The exhibition will also showcase the exhibitors’ expertise and perspectives, with a ‘Talks’ space adjacent to the exhibition. This area will host three talks aligning with the themes of the exhibition and will feature a guest panellist from a charity dedicated to the protection of each. These events reinforce the exhibition’s role as a space for collaboration and exchange of ideas.

“We see sustainability not as a trend but as a responsibility embedded in every design decision. In The Making 2.0 is our way of challenging the industry to look beyond aesthetics and functionality, and to consider the full lifecycle and environmental impact of the materials we choose.” — Chris Webb, Head of Sustainability, tp bennett