Design Shanghai is one of the biggest events in the global design calendar. This year, from 4-7 June, it expects over 80,000 visitors, with its three conferences welcoming speakers from some of the best-known architecture and design studios: Heatherwick Studio, MAD, Snøhetta, Buro Ole Scheeren and Zaha Hadid Architects. The theme for 2025 is Design for Humanity, spotlighting over 600 pieces from brands spanning over 30 countries and regions. Zhuo Tan, Event Director, says: “Over the past 12 years, Design Shanghai has grown whilst 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?”
It’s a big question, and, as expected, the Furniture & Lighting Section showcases a huge array of responses. One answer lies in international collaboration. JOYSLIVING is a furniture brand that draws on diverse cultural inspirations to inform globally resonant pieces. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, they favour natural materials and maintain a balance between modern manufacturing and craftsmanship. Another one-to-watch is Desalto, founded in Italy as a family-run metalworking company. Today, it is known for experimentation and innovation – blending tradition with a forward-thinking approach. It presents Micro Clay, a minimal, cone-shaped series of tables envisioned by Marc Krusin.
The Lighting section includes The Cloud by LZF – ethereal, sculptural lamps handmade from translucent fabric. Each one is unique in form, with designer Candela Cort “paying homage to the movement of clouds that appear, re-form and disappear.” They are a signature example of LZF’s approach – which “emphasises artistry” and aims to “create ambient, expressive luminaires for contemporary spaces.” There’s also Miguel Herranz’s MiniMikado light, which takes its names from the classic pick-up-sticks game. But how do these answer Zhuo Tan’s question? Perhaps, as technology becomes increasingly dominant, another response is to encourage the human imagination – to champion our desire to dream and ideate. Beyond Furniture & Lighting, audiences can explore the Kitchen, Bathroom & Systems Design and Living & Lifestyle Design Sections – both equally brimming with thought-provoking contemporary innovations.
One of the biggest challenges facing designers today is how to build and manufacture sustainably. The New Materials and Applications Section highlights leading innovators in the field, with featured exhibitors including Foshan Greenzone, which specialises in researching, developing and producing new, eco-friendly building materials. It is listed as one of the top 10 eco-wood manufacturers in China. Other names on the roster are Mapei, Burgeree, Spralding, Ultrasuede® and Italian designers Florim, SICIS and Tecnografica. In the face of the climate crisis, it’s crucial that Design Shanghai is using its platform to facilitate changes to the way we design and build. More broadly, it is heartening to see huge fairs like this one, as well as the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, put the subject at the heart of their programming.
Outside of the main sections, there are a range of other exhibitions to explore. TALENTS places the spotlight on emerging voices, whilst neoold reinvents China’s rich handicrafts for the digital age. Beyond Craft Japan and Made in JDZ highlight craftsmanship from Japan and Jingdezhen. Across these programmes, there’s a clear emphasis on looking back in order to move forward – blending heritage with innovation. Finally, Materials First and Re: Materialize dive headfirst into the world of manufacturing, with immersive exhibits that forecast where material innovation is heading next.
Design Shanghai 2025 is at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, 4-7 June.
Image Credits:
1. Desalto, Micro Clay.
2. JOYSLIVING, SONG Chair.
3. LZF Lamps presented by ICEX, MiniMikado.
4. LZF Lamps presented by ICEX, The Cloud.
5. Desalto, Micro Clay.
6. Foshan Greenzone, Wild Nature Collection.
