Festival: London Design Festival, various venues, London, September 17-25 2011

In his Budget speech earlier this year, George Osborne declared his desire to see a “Britain carried aloft by the march of the makers”.

This year’s London Design Festival – now in its ninth year – promises to take heed of the Chancellor’s words by making the UK’s economic revival the basis of its approach.

“This year the key word on everyones' lips is growth," says festival chairman Sir John Sorrell.

“We all know design is the engine that drives the creative industries, so this year the London Design Festival will promote design not only as absolutely central to society and to culture – but also to the economy, to growth and the future.

Alongside London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, the London Design Festival is a key constituent of London’s Autumn creative season.

With 180 partners and more than 250 events, the Festival promises to be the biggest and most significant yet.

Landmark design installations by renowned architects and designers will be placed among "design districts" across the city, starting on September 17.

“London is a buzzing marketplace, not just for financial deals, but for astonishing creativity," reckons city mayor Boris Johnson.
 
“With work by talented people from across the globe, [the Festival] will show to brilliant effect why London is the design capital of the world.”

For the third consecutive year, the Festival will run a broad-ranging programme of activity at the V&A Museum, with 12 specially commissioned installations, as well as workshops and talks.

Amanda Levete Architects will transform the Museum’s Grand Entrance in a standout installation, with a majestic three-dimensional latticework spiral spanning the height of the Museum doors.

For the first time in the festival’s history, St Paul’s Cathedral will also host design installations, particularly John Pawson’s response to the Christopher Wren architectural masterpiece.

Pawson has designed a hemisphere of metal and crystal at the base of the Geometric Staircase with a reflective curved mirror at the top of the tower, affording visitors a view from the ceiling without scaling the building’s stomach churning stairs.

A series of distinct group shows will also take place across the capital, including Decorex at The Royal Hospital Chelsea and Tent London dominating the Old Truman Brewery.

• For more information on events taking place throughout the week, visit the Festival's website at www.londondesignfestival.com