Intelligent design

Wang Juju from Shanghai got to present a distinctive paper made by the Dai people in Yunnan province to the public through the program.

"The paper carries a history of 800 years and can be very large, to the point of 10 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, and it's worth more attention," says Wang, who focuses on art installation.

She made a column out of two pieces of Dai paper, where the viewer would feel as if they are in a cocoon while appreciating the wood fibers under a dim light.

Wang applauded Chen's program for bringing tradition back to life.

"It's amazing to express traditions via modern approaches and help more young people to understand and appreciate them," Wang says.

Chen's teacher in the Netherlands, Aldo Bakker, was inspired by the filigree inlaid metal art that was used by the Chinese royal families in the old days and applied the technique to modern-day utensils, such as a honey stick.

"Having those masters and young designers together is not just about creating an opportunity for innovation," Chen says.

He believes they are here to work on integration of craft, design and art, and the designer's mission is to make life better and more convenient as much as possible.