Design trade fair connecting Hong Kong and the world

DESIGN INSPIRE, a design trade fair will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 5-7, 2024.Although the event was held online during the Corona Pandemic, expectations are high for the first real event in four years.The organizer is Hong Kong Trade Development Council(HKTDC). From Japan, the Japan Building Materials Association(JBMA) will exhibit as the Japan Pavilion with the cooperation of The Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI-KANSAI) .

This year, seven Japanese companies are going to participate in the exhibition.They are also working with designers in Hong Kong on product development for presentation at the exhibition.

Mr. Seiki Mori (studio ARRT) has lived in Hong Kong for 23 years.He is active in architectural design and as a collaborator in creating contacts between Hong Kong designers and Japan.

This time, he is taking on the role of designers and collaborator for the Japan Pavilion. We asked Mr. Mori about the highlights of this year’s DESIGN INSPIRE. (Interviewer: Chiaki Ogura)

―What are the highlights of the booth at this year’s DESIGN INSPIRE?

Mori:     A major feature of this exhibition is the collaboration project with Hong Kong designers. Japanese manufacturing companies have high technology. However, in many cases, they do not see who they should appeal to.

If companies follow domestic trends or develop their products in a technology-driven manner, it is difficult for them to capture the real overseas market.It is a waste that excellent products do not reach the customers they are supposed to reach.

Beyond the introduction of existing products and the presentation of new products in the catalog, which is common at trade shows, I hope to promote the development of new markets at this year’s DESIGN INSPIRE.

―What do you think about the Hong Kong market?

Mori:   Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, where two systems (socialism and capitalism) continue to coexist within one country (China).

Despite this aspect, Hong Kong designers are still receiving design projects from Chinese companies. Macau and mainland China, for example. It is true that many Chinese architectural projects and urban development projects have a large commercial scope, and many of them are working with an understanding of the progressive nature of the project.

―The world’s leading art fair, Art Basel, is also held in Hong Kong. That’s how much Hong Kong is a commercial hub of the world and a place where businesses from all over the world intersect.

Mori:   I think it is a great opportunity to market Japanese craftsmanship in Hong Kong.The fact that companies see Hong Kong as their target market means that China is also included.Unlike crafts and artwork, building materials are functional materials, so their functionality needs to match the market.

Partnering with overseas designers for joint development will solve that problem.I believe that collaborating with designers who work and live in the target country and share the same cultural sphere will have the greatest effect on product development.

In addition, Hong Kong designers are well acquainted with and respect the spirit of ”MONOZUKURI”, Japanese craftsmanship.As mentioned earlier, the object of Hong Kong people’s manufacturing is mainland China.In the rational approach to manufacturing, people sometimes only see what is immediate.Through joint development with Japanese companies, what I want them to know is Japanese thoughts and commitment to manufacturing.In recent years, young designers in Hong Kong have realized this and are thinking in the way they want to make quality products.

―Collaborative development will not only open up new perspectives, but will also help convey the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Mori:   Yes. I hope to create synergy for both Japan and Hong Kong.  I would like people to strongly feel that design is not only technical or aesthetic, but also a creative act.Even with the various circumstances in each country, it is good for society as a whole to have more opportunities for good people and companies to work together.

In addition, if new networks are created, there is a possibility that new products never seen before will be born.Personally, I am deeply interested in Japanese manufacturing and craftsmanship. I would like to create a joint development scheme and continue working on it after “DESIGN INSPIRE”.

―You are also in charge of designing the booth for DESIGN INSPIRE.What kind of space are you designing?

Mori:   The theme is “Modern Japanese. I plan to create a sense of openness, transparency, and lightness in the space, while at the same time maintaining a visual connection.I want to inspire the act of “glimpsing” when seen from the outside, like the traditional Japanese bamboo blinds and shoji screens. 

I plan to create a mechanism that makes people wonder what is beyond the wall by imagining the transition of space beyond the wall, or by sensing gestures and gestures.I plan to create a mechanism that makes people wonder what is beyond the wall by imagining the transition of space beyond the wall and feeling gestures and gestures.

There will also be a lounge space where business meetings and talk shows can be held. The entire event venue will be filled with people of many nationalities coming and going. We plan not only to promote our products, but also to create a place where Japanese companies can appear more attractive and where good interactions can easily take place. Please look forward to it.

―Finally, please give a message to Japanese companies participating in DESIGN INSPIRE.

Mori:   For Japanese companies, the opportunity to gain perspectives from China and the rest of the world through collaboration with overseas creators will expand their field of business.

On the other hand, for talented Hong Kong designers, it is a great opportunity to expand their business to the Japanese market without relying solely on China.This is an excellent opportunity to build a win-win relationship.

There is a possibility that products born in one’s own country may be utilized in a new way by foreign companies that have a unique values and technologies.Mutual exchange of values, this may be one of the significance of this “DESIGN INSPIRE” event.

Outline of the event

DESIGN INSPIRE
Date & Time:December 5-7, 2024
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
organizing: Hong Kong Trade Development Council
cooperation: Japan Building Materials Association、Kansai Bureau of Economy
website: https://designinspire.hktdc.com/