Exploring design like never before, BODW came to successful close after a week of design, innovation and brands at the Hong Kong Design Centre, where BODW saw its first-ever partner city – Barcelona. 
Bringing together over 75 design professionals and international business leaders from around the globe, Business of Design Week (BODW) 2015 ended on a high in Hong Kong, bidding farewell to its first-ever partner city – Barcelona. The annual flagship programme on design, innovation and brands in Asia presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), saw a week of thought-provoking programmes exploring business, design and cities of the future in Hong Kong, as well as Barcelona.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and funded by Create Hong Kong, the exceptional line-up consisted of business leaders and creatives to speak on design, innovation and brands. As always, BODW offered a series of sessions and supporting programmes to create a valuable platform for innovation and collaboration, as well as hosting the annual Design For Asia Awards 2015 (DFA).
BODW 2015 was presented under the theme ‘Design. Cities. Future.’ which puts the spotlight on how good design is contributing to the cities of the future. Partner city, Barcelona, comprises a rich heritage as well as a modern bend toward forward-thinking design, hence speakers from Barcelona, Hong Kong and around the world shared stimulating talks of community and culture within the realm of innovative design and business growth.
At the opening ceremony Mr Victor Lo, Chairman of Board of Directors, Hong Kong Design Centre said: “Creative confidence and new knowledge are necessities in charting our future and staying competitive. Every year, Business of Design Week acts as a platform where design masters and business leaders can share their insight into how design bridges big ideas and innovations. This year, with our first-ever Partner City Barcelona, we are further exploring how creative endeavours can transform cities and lead us into the future.”
Throughout the week of BODW 2015, keynote speakers hailed from around the globe, approaching business and design from unique angles. These included – Mr David Butler of Coca Cola, Ms Maria Sebregondi of Moleskine, Mr Xavier Asensi and Mr Dídac Lee i Hsing of FC Barcelona, renowned architect Mr Thomas Heatherwick, Barcelona-based architect Ms Benedetta Tagliabue, furniture designer and also named the DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer Mr Chi Wing Lo, visionary industrial designer Mr Ross Lovegrove, Ms Chelsia Lau, Chief Designer for the Ford Motor Company and non-conventional culture-of-products designer Mr Martí Guixé.
Ending its 14th year, BODW 2015 not only encouraged designers and businesses to explore creative endeavours, but also many young students and innovative minds to think about all the various ways design can change and transform cities and more. Wrapping up BODW 2015, BODW shared and welcomed its next partner city – Chicago, where BODW 2016 will be held under the theme “Chicago Made”. This partnership will open exciting opportunities for idea exchange on innovative design, urban business leadership and the power of art in creating a sense of place.
www.bodw.com
