Creativity and its power to connect people and places have never been more vital to communities all over the world than in 2020. DesignInspire Online, a virtual fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) that was recently held, celebrated this concept with a diverse showcase of global designs from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Australia to both trade and public visitors.
This year’s theme, “Design for Good”, was chosen with the intent of delivering positive energy to societies and inspire through innovations and world-class designs that can help overcome adversity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The focus of most projects led by Hong Kong designers was in fact to create furniture and domestic gadgets that could improve the stay-home-experience and help optimise spaces while exploring global creativity and making the most of local excellence in design. The works also exalt the local traditions and heritage, like the “Made to measure” paintings on iron roller-shutter doors telling the city’s stories through powerful symbols.
DesignInspire Online also featured numerous interactive projects and games aimed at combining creativity with technology and innovation, possibly highlighting one of the most important themes explored by creatives all over the world during the pandemic. Additionally, the fair covered timely topics like enhancing the digital customer experience and engagement as well as industry-specific trends such as video marketing and practical tips for designers to improve their business models.
To add to the charm and relevance, the virtual event curated a series of exclusive designs from all over the world through the overseas pavilions.
The Japan Pavilion
The most remarkable elements of Japanese luxury residencies, office buildings and retail spaces as well as high quality materials are brought together in the Japan Pavilion. Additionally, the virtual booth, designed by award-winning Masaaki Hisatakeh Architects, also aims at connecting the country’s professionals and ideas of functionality and innovation with Hong Kong’s architects.
Established in 1870, Ikuta is a leader in the flooring industry. Some of the company’s premium composite flooring, a blend of tradition and innovations, has been used in many high-end developments like the residences at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. Among its signature original products there’s Takumi Japan, the world’s first flooring incorporating gold leaf, created in collaboration with traditional artisans in Kyoto and Kanazawa
Hirata Tiles, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, is a specialised trading company that sells and applies construction materials. Thanks to innovative and creative tile compositions that made the most of natural light and colours, the Japanese company is considered a leader in creating effortlessly stylish and vibrant spaces.
The Melbourne Pavilion
Melbourne, known as Australia’s creative capital and one of the world’s most liveable cities, is home to a growing and vibrant community of designers. The city is also known for the importance it gives to the creative industries, constantly exploring and making the most of the economic, cultural and social powers of design. The Melbourne pavilion is a tribute to this attitude and artistic diversity.
LCI Melbourne is a progressive art and design Institute and a world-class leader in creative education. Based in a heritage building in Collingwood, the heart of Melbourne, LCIM is part of a global network of 23 design institutes born over 60 years ago.
Eness is famous for its unique art sculptures that have appeared in the Melbourne Museum, Cabrini Hospital and other famous locations around the city. Making use of technologies like 3D project mapping and LED lights, each work, created by an esteemed team of writers, musicians, artists, software engineers, and industrial designers, has an interactive element to stimulate the imagination and to encourage engagement.
For more information visit DesignInspire. Access to DesignInspire ONLINE is free for both trade and public visitors
The post DesignInspire Virtual Fair Sheds Lights on The Vital Importance of Creativity Amid Global Pandemic appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.