12 Jun 2025
At the prestigious international design event “Design Shanghai” 2025 ?held from 4 - 7 June, the?Design School at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University presented an exhibition themed “Flowing Zen Garden”. It blended digital fabrication technology with the aesthetics of Eastern Zen philosophy, creating an immersive space that harmonises tranquility and technological sophistication.
Held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Design Shanghai 2025 selects more than 600 design products from over 30 countries and regions, presenting the latest developments in the design industry.
Inspired by the form of "ripples", the XJTLU gallery features wave-like fluid structures that radiate from the center, symbolizing how digital technology spreads outward like water waves, coexisting with nature.
Within the exhibition area, 3D-printed art walls mimic natural textures through parametric design, weaving light and shadow to evoke a meditative interplay of illusion and reality. The gently curved 3D-printed seating echoes the rippling floor, balancing functionality and artistry. Suspended installations and algorithmically generated lighting fixtures take on organic forms - resembling floating clouds or falling leaves - ?casting dynamic shadows that convey an ethereal beauty.
Among the exhibits, a lamp designed by Mengxiao Ye, an industrial design student who just graduated from XJTLU, was honored with the “Design Shanghai Picks” award.
The “Design Shanghai Picks” award was the only award presented at this year’s event, recognising exhibitors and designers for their high standards in design philosophy, craftsmanship, and cultural artistry. Among over 600 participating brands, only 29 designs received this recognition.
Mengxiao explains?that her design, titled “Flying”,?draws inspiration from the lightness of kites. Its parametric modeling structure symbolises the dynamic and ever-changing motion of a kite. The?body of the?lamp , crafted from laser-cut ceramic, is encircled by lines of varying lengths, simulating the movements of kite strings as they soar through the sky. When illuminated, these lines create a gradient effect from shadow to light.
Jacob de Baan, Mengxiao’s tutor and a Senior Associate Professor from XJTLU’s Department of Industrial Design, says that the award recognises her?innovative approach and vision which already impacts the industry
“As her teacher for the past 2 years,?I see that her understanding of various design concepts, such as emotional design theory, inclusive design and sustainable design, expresses a rare sensibility. Mengxiao’s passion, creativity, and dedication make her an exceptional designer,” he says.
Other exhibits from XJTLU included "Ripple Screens" by Leyuan Jiang; "Tile Table", "Tactilia", and "Sandpaper" by Emanuela Corti and Ivan Parati; "Time Travel with Jimmy" by Jess Yu; "New Monobloc Chair" by Hongchao Wang; "Design Alchemy transforming research into real-world impact" by Mariia Zolotova and Tatiana Aleksandrova; "HALO" by Jacob de Baan; and 13 lamps designed by Industrial Design students.
By Yi Qian
Images courtesy of Yi Qian and XJTLU Department of Industrial Design
12 Jun 2025