From December 5 to 7, 2024, Hong Kong became the focal point for global design innovation as it hosted the inaugural Maison&Objet Design Factory at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This event marked a pivotal step in the city’s journey to become Asia’s leading hub for design, with a clear emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and international collaboration.
Celebrating Sustainability and Innovation
At the heart of Maison&Objet Design Factory, visitors were treated to a visionary exploration of conscious design—an approach that emphasises sustainability, circularity, and responsible material use. The 1,000-square-metre exhibition space was divided into five thoughtfully curated zones, each providing a unique perspective on the future of design. The event’s key themes—material innovation, sustainable practices, and cultural integration—were explored through a captivating series of immersive installations.
1. Nature, the Muse!
Curated by Jiang Qiong’er, this opening installation featured a cross-cultural collaboration between 11 French artisans and 8 Chinese artisans. The exhibition presented an inspiring fusion of Eastern and Western creative heritage, celebrating the delicate balance between traditional craft and contemporary design.
2. Conscious Staging by Normal Studio
In this space, Normal Studio, a French design firm renowned for its sustainable design ethos, presented a thought-provoking concept: a “consciously designed ideal room.” This installation showcased furniture and architectural elements made entirely from recycled or natural materials, highlighting the potential for sustainable living environments.
3. Precious Matters by matériO’
Curated by Pauline Vidal and Quentin Hirsinger, the founder of matériO’, this garden-inspired space invited visitors to explore the innovative potential of sustainable materials. Attendees could sit at a beautifully designed picnic table and engage with a curated “menu” of groundbreaking materials that promise to reshape the future of design.
4. Shades of Sustainability (Chromo Sapiens) by Uchronia
The Uchronia studio, under the guidance of French designers, presented 13 innovative design pieces that challenged conventional thinking about sustainability. Each piece was a testament to the power of creative design processes that prioritise sustainable materials and solutions.
5. Terra Cosmos: Spaces Full of Future Promise by Elizabeth Leriche
The final immersive installation, curated by Elizabeth Leriche, offered a futuristic tribute to the universe. Using colour schemes and sustainable design pieces, the exhibition transported visitors into an ethereal realm, blending cosmic inspiration with practical, eco-friendly design principles.
Hong Kong Design on Stage Showcase
In parallel with Maison&Objet Design Factory, the Hong Kong Design on Stage Showcase celebrated local talent and innovation. This pavilion, featuring 10 distinguished Hong Kong-based designers, included the “Hong Kong Design on Stage at Maison&Objet 2024” competition winners. These designers were selected for their pioneering contributions to conscious design, and their works spanned diverse fields, including product design, interior design, and urban sustainability.
The circular display pavilion was designed by two prominent figures in the design world. Michael Young, an award-winning British designer, is the founder and creative director of Michael Young Studio, established in 1993. The studio provides high-quality design services across a wide range of markets, from interiors to technology, and is regarded as one of Asia’s most influential design firms.
Otto Ng, the Design Director of LAAB, a renowned architectural studio in Hong Kong, brought his extensive experience from MIT and leading firms in the US, UK, and Italy to the inventive processes at LAAB. Known for his forward-thinking approach to spatial design, Otto has also contributed to the academic field as an Assistant Professor at HKU and has spoken at prestigious events organised by M+, Prada, Apple, Muji, and TEDx.
Competition winners include:
Product Design:
* Studio Yellowdot: A creative consultancy led by Bodin Hon and Dilara Kan, specialising in products, lighting, furniture, and spatial design through interdisciplinary collaboration.
* Studio RYTE: A dynamic team of inventors, architects, and designers using technology and craftsmanship to redefine urban objects and spaces.
* Hintegro Limited: A Hong Kong-based interior architecture studio led by Keith Shing-Hin Chan, known for luxury residential and commercial projects across Hong Kong, Japan, and LA.
* Green & Associates (HK) Limited: A company focused on sustainable product development, specialising in sustainable materials and furnishings since 2019.
* streetsignHK: Founded by architects Kevin Mak and Ken Fung, the studio promotes sustainable design by preserving Hong Kong’s urban signboard heritage.
* Monica Tsang Designs Limited: Known for her playful, heart-driven design philosophy, Monica Tsang has received awards including the Red Dot Design Concept Award.
Interior Design:
* MLKK Design Studio Limited: Founded by architects Mavis Yip, Kian Yam, and Kwanho Li, dedicated to creating architecture for the common good, with a focus on mindfulness and balance.
* BEAU Architects: Founded by Charlotte Lafont-Hugo and Gilles Vanderstocken, the studio is known for its critical methodology and multidisciplinary approach to architecture.
Keynote Speakers and Discussions
Throughout the event, INNOTALKS provided a platform for renowned curators, designers, and industry experts to discuss the future of design and sustainability. These discussions, which featured thought leaders like Jean Paul Bath, Quentin Hirsinger, and Sandy, were integral to the exchange of ideas and served as a source of inspiration for attendees and participants alike.
Article: Lily Wong
