#Hong Kong #Cultural Exchange #Business of Design Week #Hong Kong Design Centre

Business of Design Week 2024: A Successful Convergence of Design and Innovation

The Business of Design Week (BODW) 2024, Asia's leading platform for design, innovation, and brand collaboration, came to a close on December 7, 2024. This year’s theme, Inter/Section Design Artistry and Innovation, attracted a remarkable turnout of over 15,000 participants, including industry leaders, designers, and innovative thinkers from various countries.

Organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and featuring France as the Partner Country, the summit offered a rich program of more than 40 keynotes and discussions led by over 50 speakers from Hong Kong, France, Mainland China, and beyond. Attendees engaged in stimulating dialogues aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in fields such as Urban Futures, Craftsmanship, Digital Aesthetics, and AI Technology.

Mrs. Christile Drulhe, the French Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the creativity of French design. "This collaboration has provided a unique platform to showcase the depth and creativity of French design, from heritage craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation," stated Drulhe, emphasizing the cultural exchange fostered by the event.

A Focus on Sustainable Design

During the summit, prominent speakers tackled critical subjects surrounding sustainable architecture and design’s role in public engagement. On December 4th, Thomas Heatherwick, the founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, discussed his vision for human-centric architecture. He stressed the importance of creating structures that evoke emotional responses, stating, "There’s been an epidemic of characterlessness in new cities and towns everywhere. We need buildings that engage with people’s emotions and that can last over a thousand years."

Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD Architects, expounded on integrating modern architecture with natural environments, asserting that architecture should harmonize with nature rather than dominate it.

Highlights from Keynote Speakers

The event featured several noteworthy sessions. For instance, on December 5th, renowned couture designer Guo Pei shared insights into her fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Similarly, lighting designer Tino Kwan illustrated how thoughtful lighting can transform retail experiences and evoke emotional reactions in consumers.

On December 6th, discussions shifted towards the intersection of culture and technology. Pansy Ho, a prominent advocate for cultural heritage, spoke about her initiatives in promoting Chinese intangible cultural assets through innovative partnerships.

The role of storytelling in design was another critical focus. Karin Fong, creative director of Imaginary Forces, elaborated on her approach to creating memorable title sequences for major films, emphasizing the nuanced relationship between design and narrative. Furthermore, the event explored how contemporary design and craftsmanship could converge to inspire future innovations.

Future Collaborations

Looking ahead, the HKDC announced Italy as the partner country for BODW 2025, promising an exciting year filled with Italian design events and collaboration opportunities. Mr. Carmelo Ficarra, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macau, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it would illuminate the unique design philosophy of both regions while fostering creative exchanges.

Participants at BODW 2024 left with new insights and visions for the role of design in shaping a sustainable and innovative future. The event not only celebrated the art of design but also served as a call to action for future collaborations across cultural and geographic boundaries.

Stay tuned for on-demand BODW sessions available starting December 18 through bodw+. Follow HKDC on social media for ongoing updates and insights into the world of design and innovation.