London Design Festival @ Brompton Junction Covent Garden

London Design Festival at Brompton Junction Covent Garden

The 20th anniversary edition will take place on 17th – 25th September and we are hosting a tiny piece of it in our very own Brompton Junction Covent Garden store in collaboration with London Metropolitan University.

Embracing a circular approach to design, we asked students at London Metropolitan University to find new life for ‘old’ Brompton bike parts that are now out of service.

The collaboration has produced some stunning, innovative and truly unique pieces, ranging from whimsical games to household items. Every piece has been carefully considered, with the chosen component key to the design and functioning of the piece.

The Designs...

BromptoStick, designed by Joshua Baker

This project incorporates the familiar Brompton handlebar and pedal set into a pogo stick. Whimsical and insightful, the 'Bromptostick' makes effective use of these highly engineered components whilst providing fun and a few thrills for adults and kids alike.

@97jmbaker

Kick Sledge, designed by Susan May

Brompton Commuter Kick Sled for icy and snowy climates. For use on prepared snow or ice to sled to work, collect the shopping and take the children to school. Handle stem folds forward for easy storage and can be hung or pulled by front brace. Easy to disassemble in component parts for storage in the summer. Particularly useful for countries and conditions that are unsuitable for cycling!

@susanmayfurnituredesign

Happy Face, designed by Dylan Dent

This hanging sculpture is inspired by Bruno Munari's 'Useless Machines'. Conceived as an abstract form using a variety of Brompton bike parts and designed acrylic cut outs. Viewing the sculpture from varying angles alters the composition, with the friendly face only becoming clear from certain perspectives.

@dylan.dent_studio

... and the Designers

Book Trolley, designed by Stefania Atzei

This book trolley re-purposes the rear frame of a Brompton bike, insightfully using the support wheels to enable the unit to be relocated around the home. The original bike components are left in their raw state, which is softened by the refined timber structure and brass screw detailing to enable the pieces to blend into any domestic environment.

@stefania_atzei_designs

Cork Screw, designed by Miguel Souto

Brompton quick release wine opener: Based upon the rotational movement of the original bike component, this ready-made takes the ABS lever and an anodised aluminium nut of the original bike and repurposes them as a wine bottle opener.

@soutostudio.design

Bottle Opener, designed by Ikram Rahmoune

A bottle opener that utilises the lever mechanism of the rear release clip. The cut steel element is slightly modified to allow for more efficient use.

@furnitureandprod_ldnmetarts

Seat Post Table, designed by Emilia Radek

Celebrating the material and structural qualities of the Brompton seat and rubber-footed seat post, the table shows extreme design purity thanks to the sole addition of a simple jointing bracket. The transparent glass top makes effective use of the seat's non-slip texture, whilst also allowing us to admire the engineered beauty of the components.

@furnitureandprod_ldnmetarts

Desk Fan, designed by Elliott Earnshaw

A breezy desk fan, using redundant inner tubes stretched over the spokes of a Brompton wheel. Under tension, the inner tubes become efficient blades that create air movement. Now the Brompton can live on top of the desk as well as under it.

@els_projects

Bagatelle, designed by Francesca Frame

A spin on a classic bagatelle game that reveals new qualities in these highly engineered components. Embracing whimsy and fun, the design explores the potential for movement and expression through upcycling.

@_francescaframe

[LAMP], designed by Davide da Rold

This light re- purposes the classic Brompton handlebar in homage to Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzu’s iconic design for Flos. Using the handlebar, brake cable and cable guides, it captures Brompton’s values of engineering precision, elegance and function. Adjustable in height and capable of 360-degree orientation, it can adapt to a variety of environments, from production lines to office space, from shops to homes.

@darolddavide

Table Football, designed by Saffron Parry

Inspired by the idea of motion, play, and the characterful qualities of release clips, this foosball makes good use of old quick release clips as the players and handlebar grips as the handles.

@saffrontallulah