May 2012
40 posts
17 tags
Beijing Creatives
Founded by photographer Stefen Chow, Beijing Creatives is a group that aims to informally bring together (Beijing-based) creative people to “start talking, sharing and collaborating”. This Weds 30 May, the group’s first ever event will be held at Great Leap Brewery from 19:30-21:30; 4 speakers, 10 minutes each to discuss background, projects and what they’re currently up...
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Sao
Sao is a Shenzhen-based graphic designer with “a fantastic portfolio of simple graphic work”. See more via EightSix.
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More on Dooling Jiang
Dooling Jiang has just released her third Digest collection - Le Modular. See more.
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Nick Wu
Nick Wu (or Wu Rui Di) was born in Taiwan in 1988 and earned a degree in Visual Communication at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia. He was former in-house graphic designer at Wuhao Curated Shop; well-featured for his Dunhuang-inspired wallpapers (pictured).
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Ruxi
Ruxi is a sustainable fashion brand set up by Lian and Fu Youtian. Now in their third year, they concentrate on using 100% natural fabrics and reviving old, local dyeing processes, viewing their work as a means of preserving intangible heritage. Design China visited the duo at their relatively new store in Yonghegong, Beijing to learn more.
[[MORE]]Where are you both originally from, and what...
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BNC Event
Last week, BNC held a rather extravagant event at Gehua (home to many creative firms and organisations such as Beijing Design Week). The event was attended by many high flyers, including Huang Yichuan and even Hong Huang herself. We hope to catch up with Hong Huang soon; meanwhile, please enjoy our friends’ blurry snaps!
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ShanSan
ShanSan is a design practice based in Hangzhou. A close partner of China Academy of Art (CAA), the design team is largely formed of CAA graduates. Specialising in brand building and evaluation, the company has served numerous brands, organisations, and government departments. The refreshing visual system they created for several primary schools caught our eye: what could be more appropriate for...
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Bicycle Club
“Bicycle Club is a pavilion dedicated to bicycling in Hainan, China designed by Amsterdam-based, NL Architects. A rooftop cycling arena is supported by a glass-enclosed cafe at ground level. The oval-footprint structure’s protruding canopy is essential due to the tropical climate, shading the perimeter seating. The elegant upward curvature of the eaves evokes the form of a...
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Harvest Pavilion
Part of an eco-farm in Kunshan, a total of four public buildings will be designed by Vector Architects to promote organic farming in the area. The concept was a combination of light and simple: clad in glass and bamboo, with a horizontal plane juxtaposing the usual high-rise mass now found in most Chinese cities. Via EightSix.
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NLGX Spring Arrivals
“The Year of the Dragon has been pretty good so far, so we’re very excited to launch our brand new Paper Dragon and Water Dragon designs! Our very popular ChinaType tees (pictured) received a colour revamp in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Cheer for China with the red/yellow China edition or show your support for the host with the blue/red UK edition. Furthermore, all our Kommute...
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Zhu Chao
Born in Hubei, Zhu Chao is now a Beijing-based graphic designer who demonstrates real promise. His work was displayed at Tokyo TDC Annual Awards this year, and has previously appeared at GDC (in 2009 and 2011) too.
www.zhuchaoad.cn
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AIM Backstage
AIM, or Architects In Mission, was founded in 2010 by a group of young architects seeking to “carry forward their social responsibility as design professionals”. The driving force behind AIM is to develop fresh design talent by provoking thoughtful responses to specific and timely creative challenges. Last year, AIM held their second design competition in Beijing with the help of ZNA...
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Experience UK Now
The organisers of UK Now are out to prove a point: that this is one creative festival not to be missed! Here are a few snapshots from the “Experience UK Now” party, which took place at the British Embassy Residence last week.
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Affordable Art Beijing 2012
“The 7th Affordable Art Beijing will be held at 798 Space on 2-3 June and we’ve been meticulously preparing for it. Our team of art fanatics has been scouring art villages and schools for talent, and has already found a few special gems. We’ll be bringing you a diverse mix of styles and mediums to satisfy your [creative] appetite. With all artwork under 20,000 RMB, you may need...
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Wen Miao
Originally from Hebei Province, Wen Miao is a young creative based in Beijing. She completed an undergraduate degree in crafts at Tsinghua University and went on to complete a postgraduate degree in jewellery design under Teng Fei at CAFA. After graduating with her Masters in 2010, Wen Miao has been working in various roles, ultimately researching design aesthetics and collaborating with other...
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COLORS Magazine Lands in China
Following an agreement with Hong Kong publisher, Systems Design, COLORS Magazine will launch a Chinese edition of the publication that “talks about the rest of the world”.
From 20-25 May, Patrick Waterhouse and Enrico Bossan, respectively creative and editorial directors of COLORS, will be in Shanghai and Beijing to promote the initiative. A series of conferences have been organised...
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Putting the Fur in Furniture
“In his four decades as a furniture craftsman, Zhu Xiaojie has worked with stone, glass, steel, leather, hemp, acrylic, fossil, marble and elastic. But nothing has been as dear to him as wood, especially the striped zebrawood indigenous to West Africa. Then, two summers ago, Zhu discovered fur”. Continue reading.
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Coterie
“When you think of traditional glasses stores, you can’t help but envision an environment void of atmosphere or passion and an overwhelming sea of products. This could not be further from what we experienced upon visiting Coterie, a boutique glasses store newly opened on Julu Lu in Shanghai.
What makes Coterie stand out is a passion that runs through every element of the store. From...
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AnyShopStyle Offer
“If you’ve been looking for an excuse to spruce up your summer wardrobe, here’s your chance. For one week only, spend 1,000RMB or more at AnyShopStyle and receive a free gift from Shanghai accessories brand, D.D.0! As the debut designer for AnyShopStyle’s all-new leather bag collection, D.D.0 can carry all your miscellany this season, with a selection ranging from...
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Guo Pei Exhibition
“Guo Pei is often described as China’s only couturier. The notes accompanying Chinese Bride, a two-day exhibition in Beijing’s 798, highlight the time taken to complete each of her outfits. The least time-consuming of all took 966 hours - well over a month if you worked round the clock. The most painstaking is an embellished pearl gown, which took 8026 hours to complete”....
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Twin Trees Pavilion
“Located in a small, traditional town in the Yangtze Delta area, Twin Trees Pavilion is an architectural project by Shanghai-based Atelier Archmixing that transforms a former pigpen into a cozy pavilion. A supplement for two traditional-style residences, the space provides an extra place for meeting and recreation. Two big trees dominate the site, lending inspiration to the design as well...
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MAD Travel Fellowship 2012
“The MAD Travel Fellowship was launched by MAD Architects in 2009 to provide Mainland Chinese students with the opportunity to travel abroad and research an architectural topic of their choosing. It is only through travel – the visceral experience of walking into a space – that one can begin to understand the full context and meaning of architecture.
This year, 5 students will have the...
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Microurbanism Interactions Exhibition
Personally on the Scene: Art Expats in Beijing Exhibition Project is delighted to present its inaugural exhibition Microurbanism Interactions by Italian artist collective Marcella Campa and Stefano Avesani.
Initiated by Beijing-based curator Tang Zehui, Personally on the Scene is dedicated to presenting and promoting the work of foreign artists living and working in Beijing through a series of...
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Xie Dong
Xie Dong is a porcelain artist/designer from Beijing. She graduated from Beijing Art and Design Institute in 1988 and has since built a strong following of her bone china works. “She works essentially on phenomena such as heaviness and lightness, on the dynamics of shapes, on elusive elements. Her approach to design is that of an artist able to translate into poetry great artisanal skills...
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Slaying the Dragon
“If there is one thing that can be gleaned from the graduate shows and design fairs held each year around Europe, it is how difficult it is for a designer to break free from the influence of the 20th century. But at the inaugural Beijing Design Festival last October there was a striking difference. While many of the Chinese designers on show did indeed look to the past for inspiration,...
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More on Gao Yiqiang
We stumbled upon Gao Yiqiang late last year, and were intrigued by his playful furniture and product series. Here, we talk to him about his relationship to design, current projects and how scary aesthetics really are.
[[MORE]]How do you view your relationship with design?
On a larger scale, I consider myself as an industrial designer where I have to take manufacture and cost into...
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Zhang Da
Created in 2005 by Shanghai-based designer, Zhang Da, Boundless is a brand that has received national and international acclaim for its intellectual yet relaxed approach to design. Instead of producing consistent seasonal collections, Zhang Da creates capsule collections born from ideas and concepts. He works with basic shapes such as circles and squares to form 2-dimensional cuts that flow with...
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New Dimension Beijing
“On 18 May, Hugo Boss is set to launch its 3D New Dimension Beijing event. For the BOSS Black Fashion Show, the brand will showcase its A/W 2012 BOSS Black collection at a live runway show and via live-stream on hugoboss.com in 3D, and optimise the show for iPhone apps and social media networks. In the run-up to the event at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center, to be hosted by...
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Church of Seed
Designed by O Studio Architects, Church of Seed is located in Luofu Mountain Scenery District – one of the seven famous Taoist mountains in China. “The design concept is triggered by the form of a seed – a famous metaphorical element in the Gospel stories. A curved line follows the outline of a seed and marks the enclosing wall. [It then] splits into three parts, forming three entries; the...
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Creatife
Established in 2006, and featuring designers such Zhang Chao, Zhang Bin and Zhang Huimin, Creatife is a small collective that researches, develops and produces high-quality design products conceptualised by fresh talent. The team often collaborate with young, Chinese creatives to help them nurture their own brand; they have also partnered with National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), Today Art...
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China Design Hub
Founded by Shanghai-based Waikit Chung, China Design Hub is yet another website full of Chinese design goodness.
www.chinadesignhub.com
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Beijing Grapples with Games Legacy Four Years On
“Four years after Beijing hosted a spectacular summer Olympics, China’s bustling capital sees vastly improved public transport and infrastructure, but many of the venues built for the event languish unloved, underused and draining public finances.
The jewels in the crown were two architecturally-stunning buildings - the main Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics...
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Jam Bar Market
Jam Bar are holding their third creative market; 2-6pm on 12 May. Details.
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From Eye to Eye
Check out this body of illustrative work by promising, young Beijing-based creative, “From Eye to Eye”.
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(Un)Made in China
“(Un)Made in China [is an exhibition that] focuses on architecture that could’ve worked out, might’ve made a difference and probably would have won a few admirers. Unfortunately for the 12 studios participating in the show, none of that happened and the projects never became a reality. Why? Lots of reasons it transpires, but mainly because, well, this is China”. Curator,...
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Zhijun Wang
Dragon Wang (a.k.a. Zhijun Wang) is a graphic designer based in Beijing. He established his own studio and brand – ZJ Design – in 2008 after working in advertising agencies, and clients so far have included NLGX, UNICEF, NeochaEDGE, Sony Ericsson and Toyota. Since establishing himself as an independent designer, Zhijun Wang has maintained a strong focus on sporting culture, as well as...
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Design China on Weibo
We admit we’ve been a little slow on the social media uptake, but Design China is now on Weibo! Please find and add us.
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More on Maker Carnival 2012
If you’re looking for a fun exhibition experience, Maker Carnival 2012 @ CMoDA (China Millennium Monument Museum of Digital Arts) should be on the top of your list. At the preview on 29 April, Design China’s Lynn Zhang had quite an enjoyable experience. Here are her highlights.
[[MORE]]1) Sketch Chair (an open-source IKEA store) Designed by Greg Saul, the Sketch Chair program allows...
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Chutzpah! Magazine #7
Chutzpah! Magazine #7 - Uncrackable Cases - out soon! Details.
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EcoChic Design Award China 2012
“Redress launches The EcoChic Design Award China 2012, a sustainable fashion design competition challenging emerging fashion designers to create mainstream fashion with minimal textile waste. The competition provides designers with the sustainable design tools to take them through six months of design and theory that culminates at a final runway show at Shanghai Fashion Week in October....
April 2012
40 posts
9 tags
8th China International Cartoon & Animation...
“As the biggest event dedicated to animation and cartoon in China, Hangzhou-based China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF) brings together leading artists, industry insiders, university professors, and fans every year. The aim of the event is to promote animation and cartoon development in China and to cultivate more talents through the exchange of ideas.
Among the...
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Kelvin Qu
“Kelvin Qu is a designer who splits his time between Changzhou and France. His minimal and contemporary style results in uncluttered, striking work. He is [also] creative director of RONCHAM studios”. Via EightSix.
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SaloneSatellite Design Report Award 2012
Congratulations to PINWU (INNOVO) for winning the 2012 SaloneSatellite Design Report Award. They are the first Chinese designer team to achieve this award. Learn more.
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Yabao Hi-Tech Enterprises HQ Park
“An examination of the relationship between a pristine rural landscape and the advancing forces of a rapidly growing city…Yabao Hi-Tech Enterprises HQ Park is close to the central zone of Futian District, Shenzhen. Consisting of 18 high-rise towers ranging from 100-300 meters tall, a 5-star hotel, 3 service apartment towers, 3 residential towers, a shopping mall and a park, the main...
16 tags
Paloma Sanchez
Paloma Sanchez is a Beijing-based gemologist and jewellery designer. Each of her pieces are handmade by local employees - goldsmiths and silversmiths from Guangzhou, where a strong jewellery tradition prevails - whilst all precious stones are independently sourced by the designer herself. We spoke with Paloma to find out more about travelling to mines in conflict countries, and how she built her...
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Moth-eaten Books
Moth-eaten Books is the newest series of woodblocks created by young printmaker, Jiang Chao. Each set of works consist of a small library of 84 books and each book is composed of hand-woven ribbon, Phoebe Wood letters and soft rice paper. Inscribed with a different wooden plate, forming its own unique pattern and texture…each page describes the story of a book gradually etched by worms,...
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Raffles Privato, Shanghai Fashion Week 2012
“The Raffles Privato show during Shanghai Fashion Week featured 13 collections from the best of Raffles Design Institute, Shanghai’s graduating fashion design class. Some of the school’s alumni are now the stars of Shanghai’s fashion scene, including Helen Lee (class of 2000), who was on hand to witness the next generation of China’s design superstars strut their...
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More on Sara Yun
New Sara Yun collection available at AnyShopStyle.
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Ideaworks Synthesis Design Research Institute
“The first nonprofit ‘civil design research organisation’ in China, Ideaworks Synthesis Design Research Institute formally announced its establishment on the afternoon of 15 April 2012 at Cafe Copy, Today Art Museum.
Mi Shijie and Zhang Zijian, founders of the Ideaworks Synthesis Design Research Institute, expressed their hope to [allow] Chinese people to design something of...
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More on Alicia Lee
More photos from fashion designer, Alicia Lee.
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