Designed to Win celebrates the ways in which design and sport are combined, pushing the limits of human endeavour to achieve records and victories of increasing significance and wonder. From the design of F1 cars to running shoes, bats, balls and bicycles, the quest for enhanced performance and function is endless.

Designed to Win is an exhibition celebrating the close relationship between design and sport and the impact that innovation and the implementation of new materials can have on performance. While reports about technological doping and cutting edge equipment may be popular at the moment the link between design and sports is by no means a recent phenomenon, and can be traced back to the origins of organised competition. As far back as 708BC, the original Greek Olympians devised a system of swinging weights, or halters as they were known, that they would hold in both hands to improve standing-start jumps. Sport is now more universal than ever. This visibility has raised the stakes. When the difference between winning and losing can be as little as a fraction of a second, the role of design to support and enhance performance is paramount.

Coinciding with London’s biggest year of sport, Designed to Win explores the various ways in which design has shaped the sporting world. Analysing key moments where design played a significant role in progressing sport, the exhibition looks at themes of safety, performance, fashion, new materials and technology.

 

The exhibition will be on view from July 26 through November 18, 2012, and will include film clips, photography, interactive displays, sporting equipment and timelines.

When: until November 18
Where: Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD
How much: from £8.80 for adults; concessions from £5.50-£7.70. (All prices include a voluntary 10 per cent donation towards the museum.)