Design Shanghai 2025: The Power of Human-Centric Design

G&G _ Magazine • February 21, 2025

From June 4 to 7, Design Shanghai returns for its 12th edition, exploring the theme of design for humanity and bringing together over 80.000 professionals and world-renowned brands.


For twelve years the annual showcase has been committed to bridging the gap between Eastern and Western design, championing the very best of international and local designers, exhibiting both emerging and established names and brands. This year Design Shanghai will showcase leading brands from over 30 countries and regions, promising an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the creativity and influence of world class design. To date, Design Shanghai has attracted over 2.600 design brandsglobally and more than 640.000 professional visitors, witnessing the growth and integration of China's design power.



"Over the past 12 years, Design Shanghai has grown while remaining youthful at heart, consistently embracing ever-evolving challenges with unwavering commitment. At the same time, we stay true to our original mission of being a bridge for East-West design exchange. This year, we will place greater emphasis on human-centred design, making the exhibition more personal and meaningful, and exploring—and perhaps even reaching a consensus on—a fundamental question: Through design, where are we heading, and how should we act? We look forward to a truly memorable gathering this June.”

Zhuo Tan, Event Director



Ultrasuede®


Design Shanghai 2025 will spotlight over 600 expertly curated design pieces throughout its four sections, offering a glimpse into the latest trends and innovations in design. Section 1 (Furniture & Lighting) and Section 2 (Kitchen, Bathroom & Systems Design) will present cutting edge designs in furniture, lighting, kitchen, bathroom and systems, with celebrated brands such as Bulo, Formitalia, RS Barcelona, Vitra, Lalique, Miyazaki Chair Factory,NEKOSpACE, and Antoniolupi Design Made in Italia unveiling their latest collections. The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) will present the finest of Spanish design, including LFZ Lamps, Porcelenosa, and Viccarbe. Premium names including LAUFEN, Villeroy & Boch, and GORENJE will showcase their innovative solutions, alongside luxury appliance makers such as Liebherr, JUNG, Lantex, and Colmo.


Vitra


The New Materials & Applications Section (3) will highlight sustainable innovations with leading brands including Mapei, Burgeree, Spralding, Ultrasuede® and Italian designers Florim, SICIS, and Tecnografica. Section 4, Living & Lifestyle Design will showcase exquisite craftsmanship, featuring brands like Reflections Copenhagen, Aynsley,Pro-Ject, and Vilca, as well as luxury design brands which specialise in fine porcelain, glassware, tableware, and high end home accessories, including Herend, Lomonosov, Sabre Paris, Cutipol, La Rochere, Sezzatini, Timon Luxury, and CreArt.


Villeroy & Boch



TALENTS from 2024 edition


Design Shanghai will once again partner with leading design and creative studios to create unique design experiences. TALENTS, curated by Frank Chou, will once again return with Frank’s quest to foster the growing creative force of young designers. Design Shanghai also welcomes back Chen Min and neooold, an integration of art, craft and design based on China’s rich conventional handicrafts and materials. Chris Lefteri’s Materials First will also return with an engaging interactive experience. Visitors will also be able to explore Re: Materialize, a materials aesthetics trend exhibition curated by Zhang Lei, and Beyond Craft Japan, an exploration of Japanese beauty through materials and craftsmanship.


Made in JDZ, Koseido (Beyond Craft Japan)



In addition, two brand new features, Made in JDZ curated by Ran Xiangfei and Collectible Design & Art, will spotlight the beauty of handmade craftsmanship from Jingdezhen and the artistry of limited edition designs. Both offer exclusive opportunities to experience the most innovative and forward thinking ideas from the world of design.

The 2025 edition will also feature three major speaker conferences: the Global Design Conference with the theme "Design for Humanity," the CMF Conference and Design for Wellbeing Conference. These conferences will provide exhibitors with exclusive networking opportunities to engage with iconic designers and industry leaders.

Speaker highlights include:Craig Miller, Partner and Project Leader, Heatherwick Studio; Changrui FU, Associate Partner, MAD; Paul Priestman, Chairman and Creative Director, PULI innovation; Robert Greenwood, Partner, Director for Asia Pacific, Snøhetta; Ole Scheeren, Chief designer, Buro Ole Scheeren; Satoshi Ohashi, Director (China), Zaha Hadid Architects.


Bulo

Visit information


HOURS & DAYS

4 June, Wednesday 12:00 - 21:00

5 June, Thursday 10:00 - 18:00

6 June, Friday 10:00 - 18:00 

7 June, Saturday 10:00-17:00


LOCATION

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center Pudong

850 Bocheng Road, Pudong New Area - Shanghai, China

 

Visiting the Fair

www.designshanghai.com


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