Inspiring encounters at Shanghai Design fair

Aritco was one of more than 500 local and international brands from 30 countries and regions showcased at Design Shanghai November 26–29. Hundreds of people visited the Aritco stand.

“Most of them were attracted by our lifts and the design of our stand,” says Aritco China Managing Director Sharon Qu. “We had people waiting in line to try out our lift. They found our booth design conveyed a natural feel, and our product was kind of high-tech and smart with a simple and beautiful design.”

During the fair some of the comments from the visitors in the Aritco stand gave these expressions:

• “I never knew that lift could be so small and beautiful! This is a great product that helps me offer more possibilities in my projects.”
• ”The lift gives me a very scientific and technology feeling. It could also fit into my home easily with no concerns about the space or floorplan.
• “The design of the lift is very clean: straight lines, glass shaft and lights make it very beautiful. It does not look like a piece of equipment, it looks like a piece of furniture.”

On the second day not only did the number of visitors increase, a designer spotlighted an Aritco lift in a video about one of his villa projects in Nanjing. “That was a very pleasant surprise!” she says.

One of the highlights of the fair was a panel discussion with Sharon Qu and two well-known Chinese Architects, Chen Min and Du Po Chun. The theme was “Design in Nature.”

In the talk, they discussed how design related to nature and how design can protect the environment. “We also shared how Aritco carefully selects materials when making lifts and how a sustainability mindset is part of our daily business life,” she says.

Of course, the inspiration was a two-way street as well as a cultural exchange, with European, Eastern and Chinese elements in different products. “It was very interesting to see talented new designers showcase their works/products,” Sharon comments. “There were exceptional designs from world-class brands and leading Chinese brands.”

Inspiration was provided by a number of other special features, including:
– A world-class Design Forum programme starring over 50 design luminaries including Philippe Starck, Tom Dixon, Barber Osgerby.
– Audi’s “Window into the Future,” featuring Audi’s Q4 e-tron concept, which represents the brand’s vision of a tangible harmony between sustainability and electric driving excitement.
– Tom Dixon’s “Octagon” installation, created against the backdrop of the global pandemic and its effect on people’s lives and businesses. ”We have a challenging journey ahead and the obstacles will be there,” the designer comments. ”We have always wanted the Chinese audience to know more about our story, and I think this is the time to demonstrate the innovative and pioneering spirit of the brand.”
– A light installation called ”Kaleidoscopia II,” presented by House of Wang, a newly opened lifestyle boutique in Beijing. The installation was designed by British designer Lee Broom, recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Broom wrapped his iconic lighting products with reflective surfaces in a darkend space, creating an immersive and dazzling environment for visitors to experience.

“Every year Design Shanghai works with leading designers, creative studios and lifestyle brands to create numerous experiences including large-scale installations and design projects,” comments Zhuo Tan, Director of Design Shanghai. “This year, we have moved to a larger venue therefore have a bigger stage.

“The Special Features are meant to be a platform for the design community to exchange ideas and to foster collaborations so that we can contribute to the future of design with joint efforts.”