Yang Mei

yangmei_szdaily@163.com

DESIGN Shenzhen, a new design event from the influential Design Shanghai exhibition, opened its second edition Thursday in halls 7 and 8 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian.

Themed “the fusion of design and technology,” the four-day event runs through Sunday.

The event showcases cutting-edge design brands and innovative products from China and abroad. It also explores how technology can be integrated into design through exhibits and discussions.

An exhibition highlight is “Good Design Select,” curated by Shi Xiaoxi. It features the Meizu 20 INFINITY smartphone, a Chinese design that won a Good Design Award in 2023. Through the theme of “Why is this Good Design,” the exhibition meticulously examines the concepts, culture, materials, engineering, craftsmanship, form, process, color, production, and technology involved in its production.

The Netherlands is showcasing sustainable design at the “Dutch Design Dynamics” booth in Hall 7. Efstathios Andreou, the consul general of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, said they are displaying sustainable bikes, strollers and other projects to promote a “livable and circular world.”

“The Netherlands is a cycling nation. We have biking in our DNA, it’s good for the planet. We’re here to show the circular and livable combination which can really come together,” Andreou said.

Falling on World Sleep Day on March 21, Design Shenzhen partnered with David Hugh, a U.K.-based health innovation firm. Their “WellConnect Health Technology Special Exhibition” features cutting-edge technologies like brain-computer interfaces and levitation technology.

David Hugh’s Aiora floating chair, which is making its debut in China, blends art and biomedical engineering to mimic zero gravity.

David Wickett, inventor of Aiora and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, said that it is his first time in Shenzhen. He added that Shenzhen is an international city where “things can start to happen.” Wickett said that he expects to make connections with other brands, dealers, and distributors as well as attract customers.

The popular “IDEA BOX” feature has returned this year. Inspired by the concept of a “box” and centered on “lifestyle,” it aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for object design. By connecting domestic and international high-quality channels and platforms, it seeks to assist brands in their continuous evolution towards commercialization.

On Friday, the event’s main forum will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on design. Speakers include Leon Krykhtin, the founder and creative director of LKDN, who will discuss AI and spatial computing, and Martha Tsigkari, of Foster + Partners, who will address disruptive technologies in architecture, engineering, and construction.