dMFK's Fitzrovia basement reimagined as a tactile design hub
London-based design studio dMFK has unveiled its newly transformed basement space, Downstairs at dMFK. Located in Fitzrovia, the area once housed the headquarters of Channel 4. Now, it blends a working studio, product gallery and events venue under one light-filled, open-plan roof.
The redesign focuses on tactile materials and adaptable features, aiming to move beyond the limitations of digital communication. The heart of the space is a meticulously organised materials library, where every live project has its own tray. Samples are always accessible, ready to be referenced or adjusted as designs progress. This 'living sample library' not only showcases material innovation but also strengthens collaboration with key suppliers.
A five-metre terrazzo bar anchors the room, doubling as both a functional workspace and a material sample itself. Made from experimental recycled materials, it was designed for daytime use while demonstrating the studio’s commitment to sustainability. Nearby, acoustic booths by The Collective—crafted from compressed recycled fibres—provide sound-rich meeting spaces.
Lighting comes from Light Forms, a flexible track-based system that can be updated as new samples arrive. Underfoot, the floor by Sphere8 uses plant-oil-based materials with lower VOCs, adding subtle movement to the colour palette. Together, these elements create an environment that prioritises texture, acoustics and hands-on creativity.
The studio’s approach deliberately counters the flatness of digital work. By surrounding teams with physical materials, dMFK encourages a more immersive and collaborative design process. The transformed basement now serves as a multi-functional hub for design, display and discussion. Its combination of sustainable materials, adaptable lighting and acoustic features reflects dMFK’s focus on innovation and tactile engagement. The space is set to host both daily studio work and public events in the months ahead.
