Innovation, Subversion, and New Enlightenment for the Future: 2023 APDC International Design Awards Gala of Winning Designers’ Speech Tour in Beijing
July 26, 2023 On July 16th, 2023, the Asia Pacific Design Center (APDC) partner of the SIT Furniture Design Awards hosted the International Design Awards Gala, the first forum of the Winning Designers’ Speech Tour in Beijing and Shijiazhuang City. The event, jointly organized by HBI, a globally selected ceramic tile brand, and SALOLEA, the new generation door wall system, along with the co-organizer TASSANI, a European expert in coating solutions, marked the beginning of a grand celebration of design excellence.
The guest lineup for the speech tour was unprecedentedly luxurious, with renowned designers from various corners of the world gracing the event. Among the distinguished guests was Charles O. Job, the 2020 SIT Furniture Design Award winner, celebrated for his chair design SKETCH. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Charles O. Job’s journey in design began with degrees in architecture and urban design from Oxford Brookes University, followed by work experience in architecture practices in Paris, London, and Zürich. He served as a junior faculty member at ETH Zürich for several years and was later appointed as a professor of architectural design theory at Berne University of Applied Sciences in 2008.
Charles O. Job‘s exploration in research, temporary architecture, and furniture design for international clients has been guided by a constant quest for simplicity. His wide repertoire of projects and products reflects his commitment to innovation, garnering him numerous international design prizes and a place for his chair in the permanent collection of the Vitra Design Museum.
Charles’ speech at the APDC event was filled with engaging storytelling and delightful anecdotes. He shared how childhood “magical” toys ignited his passion for design, leading to the creation of his award-winning chair, SKETCH. With humor and wit, he emphasized the importance of possessing an interesting soul as a designer, enabling one to discover the beauty of design in the world and make life more lovely. His insights on simplicity, elegance, and the interplay between design and life left the audience inspired and amused, resulting in laughter and applause throughout his talk. Charles’ speech served as a reminder for all designers to infuse their work with passion and joy, creating designs that enhance people’s lives with creativity and innovation.
The APDC International Design Awards Gala aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding Chinese designers who have reached the pinnacle of the design world. The event also identifies emerging talents in architecture, interior, product, graphic, and fashion design. The gala has garnered significant attention and acclaim from industry elites, experts, and scholars, further driving the development of the design industry with an international perspective.
The speech tour not only provides a platform for award-winning designers to showcase their work but also serves as a starting point for aspiring young designers to compete in international awards. During the tour, the participating designers were provided with opportunities to enter competitions for the ten prestigious awards, fostering a dream channel for those passionate and innovative young talents in the field of design.
The event also received the support of influential figures in the design community. Zhiming Xie, Vice Chairman of the Interior Design Branch of the Chinese Architecture Society, attended the tour as a special guest and emphasized the importance of Chinese designers participating in international awards and engaging in cross-cultural interactions with international designers. Other speakers included Architect Kris Lin, winner of the first edition of the SIT Award with the “Bird Nest”, C.R. Lin winner of the BLT Built Design Awards, and Larry Wen, winner of the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
This year’s tour aimed to open up a broader stage for young designers who are passionate about design and possess innovative ideas. After the successful Beijing and Shijiazhuang city events, the tour is set to continue in first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen.
As the world continues to change rapidly, the ways designers approach their tasks and work have also evolved. Design integration and cross-border collaboration, once regarded as trends, have now become a reality. Design’s current development and future prospects are subject to continuous innovative exploration and thinking. Events like the APDC International Design Awards Gala and the Winning Designers’ Speech Tour play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring designers worldwide, promoting innovation, subversion, and new enlightenment for the future of design.
