Last week, we officially launched Common, GPAD’s new collaborative hard-copy newspaper, with an evening of talks, conversation and idea-sharing in Clerkenwell.

The event brought together friends, collaborators, contributors and voices from across the design industry to celebrate the first issue of the publication and the thinking behind it. For us, it was important that Common was launched physically, in person. In an increasingly digital and fast-moving world, the newspaper was conceived as something tangible: a publication that invites reflection, conversation and time away from notifications, scrolling and snap reactions.

Launching it through a live event felt like a natural extension of that ethos.

A huge thank you to Solus for generously hosting us and helping create such a welcoming setting for the evening.

We were also incredibly grateful to our speakers: Lucretia McCarthy, Charles Bettes, Betty Owoo, David Dzakpata, Dr Elisabeth Marlow and Andy Love, who shared fresh perspectives, provocations and ideas spanning design, collaboration, inclusion and practice.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us on the night, contributed to the paper, and submitted ideas. Common was created as a shared space for exchange and discussion — something co-created with people who have design in common — and the energy in the room reinforced exactly why that matters.

This is only the beginning for Common. We are already planning another ideas-share event and look forward to continuing the conversations sparked by the first issue.

If you would like your own copy of Common, please get in touch with us.