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This year’s international design conference brings together policymakers, business executives and creative leaders to generate innovative ideas and smart processes that drive circular design
As the 21st edition of Business of Design Week (BODW) approaches, the chairperson of Hong Kong Design Centre, professor Eric Yim, and keynote speaker Ben van Berkel are brimming with anticipation of the three-day summit—a part of the BODW’s line-up—to be held at Freespace in the West Kowloon Cultural District from November 29 to December 1.
Partnering with the Netherlands this year, BODW is an international event that has long attracted global talent, industry leaders and enthusiasts from across the design sphere. It has evolved its online presence tremendously in recent years, especially during the pandemic. Since its 2021 launch, digital knowledge platform bodw+ has complemented the live summit with a simulcast on TV, online and on social media, as well as creating an on-demand archive—creating further global reach.
“We are delighted to expand our strategic partnership with the Netherlands and embark on a creative journey which revolves around BODW 2023’s theme of Game Changers,” says Yim. The architect, furniture designer, entrepreneur and adjunct professor in several design schools at universities internationally is also the chairperson of Hong Kong Design Centre, which plans BODW.
“This year’s Game Changers theme is a commitment—and we are placing a profound focus on circular design [creating durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable products that generate zero waste] and a sustainable future” he says. “We firmly believe that the Netherlands—renowned for its rich artistic heritage and innovative design prowess—is a global pioneer in this trajectory.
“We are eager to learn from their experiences and insights, which have undoubtedly contributed to sustainable businesses and vibrant communities. With our partner country, we aim to address critical challenges.
“Our ultimate goal is to foster a long-term international knowledge exchange and spark co-creation, leading to faster and better innovations aimed at reducing our ecological footprint.”
Ben van Berkel, co-founder and principal architect of UNStudio in Amsterdam, has led projects around the world since the late 1980s, from Madrid to Dubai to Melbourne. He has also lectured and taught at many architectural schools around the world. UNStudio currently has about 370 staff, spread across seven locations globally.
Asia became a significant part of the firm’s operations when it was a commissioned to create Raffles City, Hangzhou in 2008; the contemporary landmark was completed in 2017, a sustainable mixed-use urban hub for living, working and leisure. The firm opened a Shanghai office during the project, which was closely followed by a Hong Kong office.
