Freeworld Design Centre is a mecca for creatives, writes Chivimbiso Gava

It's any design junkie's dream: modern interiors with an enduring minimalistic flair, exhibitions that tickle the eye and an abundance of information on leading innovations in the world of design, not to mention a culinary experience on site.

Fairly new in Cape Town, the Freeworld Design Centre is a space promoting and facilitating conversation around design.

It also offers some essential services to professional decorators. The team of on-site experts can offer help to designers and advice on colour, design and decor - focusing on decor consultations and 3D simulation services. If need be, the team will go to the client on site, to get a feel of the space.

The team provides various digital options of design for the client to help with decisions about what they would like to do to her or his room or entire house.

"We're more focused on the built environment, but the centre caters for all elements of design - for the creative community and those who are interested in design," said Freeworld Design Centre head Lauren Shantall.

The concept was initiated when paint company Plascon realised there were no centres dedicated to providing advice and technical assistance to design industry professionals.

"We provide our services to big property portfolio clients, like architects, engineers, developers and designers," Shantall said.

The centre isn't only a hub for creativity and innovation in the design and decor industry, it is a design marvel itself.

"The natural environment was incorporated in our use of glass; elements such as the weather, trees and landscape are visible from the building. This earthiness is echoed in the use of natural materials throughout, particularly wood, sisal, coir, leather and linen," Shantall said.

"All the pieces of art in the centre were hand-picked and the team spent months collecting the items. The collection is somewhat eclectic, but what binds these disparate objects is a collective sense of peace and purpose."

Although the centre doesn't do consultations with private homeowners, it still acts as a resource for ideas and a space where people can get design inspiration.

Visitors can use the state-of-the-art auditorium, four pod installations and interior design reference library. There's a courtyard where visitors can read, a cafe and a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of Cape Town.

The centre is also home to the country's first interior design gallery. It holds exhibitions designed by some of South Africa's budding and established creatives.

A current exhibit is the Openness to Explore, featuring top local designers.

"We want it to be an inspiration for design and want to support interior design as a profession in this country," said Shantall.

"I invite designers whose work I think is particularly good. Then I choose a theme which I think is pertinent in the design world and explore combinations of work, so if I choose a contemporary designer, I combine their ideas with another designer who has a different approach."

In celebrating local design and decor, the centre's aim is to complete 80 design projects this year.

"We've already managed to do 70 and we're proud of this achievement," said Shantall.

She envisions that the centre will become a hub of innovation for players in the design industry: "Design is a blueprint for living; it encompasses all elements of the world. Design affects everything we do."

Freeworld Design Centre is at 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town. Its third exhibition opens on August 4.

RESOURCE:  Times Live Online

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