Staples: What's on this Clerkenwell Design Week

Growing Healthy Cities by Howells

Howells believe that architects today are shaping far more than buildings—they’re helping to cultivate the conditions for urban wellbeing. In Birmingham, the practice is contributing to a bold vision for a healthier, more inclusive city through the Central Birmingham Framework 2045. Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells will talk through the practice's ethos and plans for the future of Birmingham.

Olive oil tasting with Citizens of Soil

Citizens of Soil, a B Corp led by olive oil sommelier Sarah Vachon, is built on flavour, nutritional value, and transparency. They’re changing the olive oil industry for good by sourcing directly from small-scale producers who practise regenerative farming, and by championing the remarkable women who make their award-winning oils.

DJ A La Fu

An evening of music curated by Afroflux. Recording artist, producer, DJ and someone not in the least bit disillusioned by it all...the mojo triangle that is A La Fu. Inspired early on by the turntable and a fervour for anything slightly off kilter, A La Fu carefully developed his craft working closely with the Ninja Tune and Big Dada record labels. 

Symbiocene Living: Exploring Mycelium and the Urgency of Bio-Based Materials with PLP Labs

Collaborating with local communities, researchers, and designers, PLP Labs, the research group of PLP Architecture, developed and tested innovative mycelium-based materials—from simple blocks to 3D-printed modular systems. This work envisions a shift toward the ‘Symbiocene,’ advocating for a symbiotic, regenerative approach to architecture rooted in ecological sensitivity.

Tasting with L.A Brewery

B-Corp certified L.A Brewery create a sophisticated, flavourful alternative to alcohol, crafted through fermentation for depth and character and sustainably brewed in Suffolk. Made with 100% natural ingredients, their drinks create complex, satisfying flavours that feel special to drink. Join them for a tasting as they talk through the products and process.

Tasting with Renegade Urban Winery

Renegade Urban Winery is a cutting-edge urban winery based in Walthamstow. Producing innovative modern wines that defy traditional winemaking conventions to create something truly unique. Using both local and international grape varieties, they champion sustainable farming practices and embrace experimental techniques, resulting in distinctive yet approachable wines that appeal to a diverse audience.  

Panel talk: Innovation in Everyday Materials

How can the staple materials that shape our daily lives can be reimagined and pushed in new, more sustainable directions? Pete Jennings of SMITHS, Florence Browning of Webb Yates, Alexis Harrison of ARUP, and Sanne Visser of Sanne Visser Studio share their perspectives on the future of materials.

Performance by Plumm x Hen.D

Plumm is a vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader hailing from South London with proud Welsh heritage. Inventive and eclectic, Plumm defies categories. A live performance by Plumm x Hen.D.

Tasting experience with Dark Arts Coffee

Dark Arts Coffee is a Hackney-based coffee roastery founded in 2014 by Brad Morrison. From humble beginnings, Dark Arts has amassed a solid team of coffee professionals, each bringing their own unique skills and outlook on the industry, which has set the company apart from the rest. Their coffee mission is to offer a diverse range of coffees with distinct flavour profiles with an emphasis on sourcing from underrepresented regions and communities worldwide. 

Fighting food waste with The Felix Project

The Felix Project is fighting for a London where good food is never wasted and no-one goes hungry. Join Sallinder Rai​​​​ and Ilaria Mezzogori of The Felix Project to hear how they’re achieving this. 

Workers lunch by Dusty Knuckle with an introduction CEO Max Tobias

Join CEO Max Tobias for a taste of the cult-favourite sandwiches from The Dusty Knuckle — a bakery known for epic bread, pastries, and pizzas, they’re also home to a groundbreaking Youth Training Programme. Hear the story of Dusty Knuckle from Max, and taste the famous sandwiches.

The sandwiches will be first come, first serve, so we recommend getting here early from 12:30.

Scent journey with Le Labo

Discover the inspiration behind Le Labo’s soulful fragrances? Born in Grasse and nurtured in the bustling streets of New York, Le Labo’s evolution has made it synonymous with craftmanship, unconventional perfumery, and memorable sensorial experiences. Embark on a journey of scent discovery and hear the story behind the cult brand. 

Enquire with your Account Manager for availability. 

Introduction to Staples

Staples is a curated experience celebrating the simplicity of everyday life, inspired by the people and process behind Casalgrande Padana's manufactoring process. Join the creators of Staples - SMITHS, Casalgrande Padana, and Solus - for an introduction to the project and the concept behind it.

Gilles Peterson

Since the 1980s, Gilles Peterson has been a pivotal figure in the club scene, renowned for his genre-defying approach to music. As one of the UK’s most iconic DJs, he has spent over 40 years shaping music trends as a radio presenter, club DJ, producer, and festival curator. With drinks from 40ft Brewery.