Chongqing - On March 14, the Yuelai Design Center hosted the Chongqing stopover of the 2024 Design Day. 

The choice for the 2024 edition's theme, "Manufacturing value - inclusiveness, innovation, and sustainability," while in ideal continuity with the previous one, emphasizes the production process leading to the creation of industrial design objects that are aesthetically pleasing and of high "material" value. 

On Thursday, March 14, the Yuelai Design Center hosted the Chongqing stopover of the 2024 Design Day. (Photo/Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing)

In the past seven editions (2017-2023), the Italian Design Day has spawned approximately 1,370 events involving over 580 designers, architects, entrepreneurs, academics, and specialized journalists. They have promoted innovation, industry, and the "know-how" of Italy, engaging with the host countries' creative, academic, and business communities.

"We are glad to host today's event in Chongqing, as this is one of the fastest-growing cities in China, where urbanization, design, environment, and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. For these reasons, Chongqing is a perfect match for Italy in the fields of design, architecture, and sustainable city planning. Occasions like today's can play a key role in strengthening bilateral dialogue and collaboration in these strategic fields," said Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, in his welcoming speech. 

He also highlighted the importance of exchanges between China and Italy in crucial areas such as design and environmental sustainability. Consul General also took the opportunity to remind attendees of the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair, one of the world's most prestigious trade fairs in design, scheduled for April 16 to 21st this year.

Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, gave his welcoming speech. (Photo/Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing)

Professor Angela Rui, here as the "2024 official Ambassador of Italian Design", gave a presentation following the official speeches. As a curator, researcher, professor, and scientific consultant at the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Milan, Professor Rui delved into the main themes of this year's edition, capturing the audience's attention of experts, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

The second part of the conference featured two moments of dialogue and discussion dedicated respectively to industrial design and architecture. The debates were moderated by the Vice President and lecturer of the Industrial Design Faculty at the Nanjing Academy of Art, Professor Chen Jiajia, and some experts, such as Roberto Podda, Director of Sino-Italian Urban Regeneration HUB (SIURH) Design School, Carlo Maria Rossi, founder of NoName studio Chengdu and others.

On the sidelines of the event, several exhibitions were set up with the contribution of the official partners of the event, including a showcase promoted and curated by the SIURH Research Center of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Design School, focusing on the urban regeneration project of the Genoa Levante Port by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, a series of design objects and products from the famous Pininfarina brand, and panels and models related to projects from the architecture and interior design studio Atelier Meadow.