The event is aimed at fostering the circulation of ideas between the Italian and Chinese design sectors: Aldo Cibic, Dante Donegani and Stefano Giovannoni, some of the leading Italian designers, will discuss on the theme of the Expo, "Better City, Better Life", presenting the central issues of today’s architecture while sharing their experiences of designing anything that ranges from single products to urban landscapes. Some of the most important designers and experts in the Chinese design sector, Chen Yao-Guang, Lu Wen-Yu and Song Wei-Jian will share these experiences with them. Yu Ting, of the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Group, will moderate the discussion forum.

This project stems from the awareness that, over the course of centuries, China and Italy have developed both economic and cultural similarities, and that these two countries are facing similar problems in urban planning and architectural design.

Italy, famous for both its historical, artistic and cultural heritage and the modernity and creativity of its design industry, must ensure that old and new coexist in harmony of aesthetics and functionality. Similarly, Chinese urban planners and architects are looking to find the right balance between a rich and ancient civilization and the new wave of urbanization that is driven by a significant demographic growth. Both countries are facing unprecedented environmental challenges that require the centrality of the concepts of sustainability and respect for the environment, essential elements in the approach to the current development of architecture.

Shanghai’s Expo 2010, with its theme Better City, Better Life is the ideal opportunity to develop these concepts and to bring together Italy and China, whose relationship is made even closer by the fact that Milan is the city to which Shanghai will pass the baton for the next Expo in 2015.

Promotors:
ILC (Italian Lifestyle Centre)
Domus Academy
Shanghai Design Center
Italian Cultural Office
Sponsor: Cathay Pacific
Mediapartner: Domus China

Images from above: Stefano Giovannoni, Aldo Cibic, Dante Donegani & Giovanni Lauda, Domus Academy