#China #Hangzhou #Design #China Academy of Art

Exploring the Symbiotic Cosmos: Transforming Design Education

On October 18, 2025, the China (Hangzhou) Art and Technology Biennale commenced at the Yuhang Art Museum, marking a significant event organized by the China Academy of Art (CAA). This biennale serves as a cornerstone of the third Liangzhu Forum, presenting the works of more than 160 creators hailing from over 20 countries and regions. The overarching theme revolves around the reconstruction of cultural ecology in the context of technological iteration.

A Vision for Design Education

This biennale stems from the profound academic foundations of CAA. The institution’s design studies blend Eastern and Western cultural principles, focusing on innovation grounded in tradition. Over the years, CAA has emerged as a beacon for design education in China, promoting a blend of global and national vision driven by cultural and technical empowerment. Their design education integrates technology within artistic frameworks, making CAA a leading hub for comprehensive design education that addresses a wide array of social and industrial demands.

With the School of Design and Innovation at the forefront, CAA has cultivated advanced techniques that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration in innovative design. The institution actively promotes integrated design practices influenced by societal and industrial trajectories, aspiring to create a modern equivalent of the Bauhaus or Vkhoutemas that caters to the age of big data and smart media.

Cultural Heritage and Innovation

The influence of the unique Liangzhu culture, a testament to a 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization, is also evident in this biennale. Hangzhou, celebrated for its historical significance and dynamic innovation, embodies a blend of ancient artistry and contemporary technology—illustrating the cultural strength underlying Chinese modernization. The biennale serves as a platform for global creative exchange, injecting fresh ideas into various sectors, including industry, education, and innovation. Here, the rich local heritage intertwines with global contexts, showcasing Hangzhou as a notable example of deep cultural and technological integration.

Thematic Sections

The biennale unfolds in four thematic sections: Connections, Symbiosis, Speculation, and Manifesto. Each segment presents a narrative framework around the concepts of 'Heaven, Earth, Man, and Machine'. In the first segment, visitors engage with concrete interactions between humans, machines, and the world. The second section emphasizes the coexistence of the humanities and technology through digital education. The third invites speculation on the interrelations between technology and the environment. Lastly, the Manifesto section provokes critical reflections on the ethical boundaries and values in merging technology with art.

This inquiry not only draws from CAA’s century-old academic traditions but also represents China's distinctive approach to fostering civilizational dialogue in an increasingly globalized world. Looking ahead, CAA aims to advance original, future-oriented design studies of international caliber, presenting a more holistic 'CAA solution' to global design education.

Bridging Past and Future

As this biennale seeks to establish connections between Liangzhu and the world, art and technology, it allows ancient wisdom and cutting-edge research to resonate in harmony. The goal is for artistic intelligence and technological futures to illuminate one another, creating a dynamic dialogue that enriches both realms. The event is curated by Duan Weibin, Dean of the School of Design and Innovation at CAA, ensuring that innovative design methodologies remain at the forefront of contemporary discourse.

Conclusively, the China (Hangzhou) Art and Technology Biennale is more than an artistic exhibition; it is a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between tradition and innovation, bringing forward visions that will shape the future of design education on a global scale.