Maison&Objet debut boosts Hong Kong’s rise as creative hub

A dialogue between East and West 

One of the most exciting aspects of the Maison&Objet Design Factory is its fusion of East and West, as over 120 brands and designers from Europe and Asia come together to showcase the best of conscious practices in everyday design.  

The range of talent and cultural perspectives presents an exciting convergence of ideas, with each exhibit showcasing a distinct approach to the interplay between beauty and responsibility in design. 

One notable highlight is ‘Muse, Nature’, curated by Jiang Qiong Er. This section unites 12 French master artisans from ‘Les Lauréats de l'Intelligence de la Main®’ alongside 10 Chinese craftsmen, fostering an exchange of traditions, techniques and materials.  

The result is a seamless blend of metalwork, glass, wood, ceramics, leather, and textiles from both traditions. 

Through this dialogue, the exhibition not only celebrates the skill of handcrafted work but also delves into how time-honoured techniques can be adapted to address modern environmental challenges. 

Shades of sustainability: pushing the boundaries of innovation 

Design innovation takes centre stage in ‘Shades of Sustainability’, a section curated by French Design by VIA and realised by the creative studio Uchronia.  

Here, visitors will encounter 13 new pieces of French design, each showcasing cutting-edge processes, sustainable materials, and bold new ideas.  

The colourful, playful space conveys a key message: sustainability does not have to be drab or austere. In fact, as these designs demonstrate, it can be vibrant, dynamic and full of possibility. 

Adding to this exploration of sustainability is ‘Precious Matters’, curated by materiO’, a world expert in unexpected and innovative materials.  

This unprecedented exhibition will be showcasing a selection of materials chosen for their sustainable properties.  

It reimagines what is considered ‘precious’, challenging visitors to think beyond rarity and value, and instead focus on sustainability and the innovative potential of these materials. 

The ideal conscious home 

For those seeking inspiration in how to live more consciously, France-based Normal Studio will present a ‘consciously designed ideal residential space’.  

This immersive installation will challenge visitors to rethink what a home can be when every element - from flooring to fixtures - is designed with sustainability in mind. The display demonstrates that conscious design is not just a theoretical concept but an achievable reality.  

Every aspect of the cosy home, from the construction materials to the furnishings, will showcase the latest in sustainable design practices, making it a must-see for anyone interested in how to bring these principles into their own lives. 

Terra Cosmos: a poetic interpretation of space and time 

For a more emotive exploration of design’s role in shaping our relationship with the world, visitors can immerse themselves in ‘Terra Cosmos’, curated by the acclaimed Elizabeth Leriche. 

This section presents a poetic interpretation of the future, playing on oppositions between the sky and the ground, transparency and opacity, and the microscopic and the vast.  

Through a selection of 120 brands and designers from around the world, Leriche invites visitors to see design not just as a practical concern but as a means of exploring our place in the cosmos.  

This conceptually rich section is set to be among the exhibition’s most intellectually engaging, offering a distinct viewpoint on the intricate connections that shape our world. 

Hong Kong’s emergence as a design hub 

Hong Kong’s vibrant mix of tradition and cutting-edge innovation makes it the ideal setting for an event that bridges the old and the new, the local and the international.  

As the creative industries continue to grow in importance, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a key destination for designers and design enthusiasts alike. 

Local talent will also be in the spotlight, with Hong Kong’s own interdisciplinary designer Chilai Howard presenting a fusion of individual works and collaborative pieces in the ‘Future Archive’ section. 

This interactive experience will incorporate elements of art, technology and community, further highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a place where creativity and innovation flourish. 

A space for knowledge sharing and connection 

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of design, a series of workshops, InnoTalks and creative sessions will also be on offer.  

These hands-on experiences will provide an opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the ideas and techniques behind the works on display, whether through traditional craftsmanship or cutting-edge technology. 

A future shaped by conscious design 

As environmental concerns become increasingly urgent, the focus of the Maison&Objet Design Factory on conscious design is both timely and inspiring.  

By bringing together the best of European and Asian creativity, the exhibition shows how collaboration and innovation can lead to more sustainable solutions.  

More than just an art and design exhibition, Maison&Objet Design Factory’s debut in Hong Kong is an invitation to think deeply about the objects we surround ourselves with and their impact on the world.  

It calls us to embrace a new era of design - where aesthetics and ethics meet in harmony. 

The event is sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA).