From June 4–7, 2025, Design Shanghai returns to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center for its 12th edition, celebrating twelve years of East–West design dialogue with an ever-evolving lineup of brands, events, and thought leadership. With more than 80,000 professional visitors expected, Design Shanghai promises an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the creativity and influence of world-class design.
Over the past 12 years, Design Shanghai has grown while remaining youthful at heart, consistently embracing ever-evolving challenges with unwavering commitment. At the same time, it has stayed true to its original mission of being a bridge for East-West design exchange. This year, greater emphasis will be placed on human-centred design, making the exhibition more personal and meaningful, and exploring — perhaps even reaching consensus on — a fundamental question: ‘Through design, where are we heading, and how should we act? We look forward to a truly memorable gathering this June.’ – Zhuo Tan, Event Director, Design Shanghai.
What’s On: Four Thematic Zones
1. Furniture & Lighting
Discover the collision of heritage and innovation, from sleek Scandinavian producers to cutting-edge Chinese studios.
2. Kitchen, Bathroom & Systems Design
Explore bespoke fixtures, smart appliances, and integrated wall systems from European luxury names to rising Asian innovators.
3. New Materials & Applications
Touch and test the latest in sustainable composites, performance textiles, and next-gen laminates that are reshaping product design.
4. Living & Lifestyle
From art-object ceramics to artisanal textiles and curated giftables, this zone spotlights the small details that define modern living.
Seven Special Curations
1. TALENTS: Curated by Frank Chou, emerging voices tackle “Design in Conflict”—ten fresh projects that respond to social upheaval.
2. Neooold: Curated by Chen Min, contemporary craftspeople re-interpret traditional media (lacquer, metal, weave) in a “mass wonders” showcase.
3. Re:Materialize: Curated by Zhang Lei, a deep dive into material-first thinking, foregrounding sustainability in the earliest design stages.
4. Made in JDZ: A kaleidoscopic look at Jingdezhen porcelain—ancient kilns meet modern lifestyle contexts.
5. Collectible Design & Art: Limited-edition art and design pieces from top galleries, perfect for collectors and specifiers.
6. Beyond Craft Japan: A cross-cultural exploration of Japanese restoration, metalwork, and decorative arts.
7. Materials First: CMF expert Chris Lefteri invites you to experience a tactile narrative of a material’s lifecycle.
Three Forums, One Mission: Design for Humanity
1. Global Design Conference
Theme: Human-Centered Design
A three-day summit where leading thinkers explore how design can nurture wellbeing, community, and cultural resilience in an age of climate urgency.
2. Health & Wellbeing Forum
Theme: Holistic Environments
From “hotelified” workplaces to age-friendly homes, this forum maps the future of spaces that heal, inspire, and support every body.
3. CMF Forum
Theme: Feeling of Touch
Dive into color, material, and finish as the core of sensory engagement—unpacking how tactility can reconnect us in an increasingly digital world.
Save the Date:
Design Shanghai 2025 runs June 4–7 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
See you there for the future of design, where tradition meets tomorrow, and global ideas take shape on the Shanghai skyline.
Source: 77° Global Furnishings Media
