The second annual Beijing Design Week 2012 was met with anticipation and excitement by participants and visitors alike. The goal of the government backed event was to encourage a global reassessment of the ‘Made in China’ label from the image of mass produced second rate products to ‘Designed in China’ as a sought after quality product.
Venues were spread throughout the various areas of Beijing offering visitors the opportunity to observe the diversity of lifestyles within the city. One site of particular interest was that of Cao Chang Di (CCD) - a village of artist studios designed by the internationally renowned designer Ai Wei Wei. Products by local and international designers highlighted the Chinese culture within their collections. Sara Bernardo and Andrea D’Antrati based their deceptively delicate pieces constructed of steel, glass and cement on the shapes of Chinese furniture.
Other designers such as textile specialist, Henny van Nistelrooy collaborated with local craftsmen in the production of wooden items on which to display his fabrics. Pop-up shops, cafes and mini exhibitions created a festive atmosphere in urban neighbourhoods and disused industrial spaces linking the present with the past and the contemporary with the traditional in this country which is undergoing a rebirth of creative energy and interactivity with the world at large.
