Beijing Design Week 2016

Over the course of the last five years, Beijing Design Week has come into its own as a hub for homegrown art, architecture, and design — all of which are on view from now until 7 October. As in previous editions, the “Design Hop” program offers a structure for the myriad events and exhibitions across the sprawling capital city. This years sees the first edition of the Beijing Media Art Biennale and the Taikooli Light Festival, set in its eponymous shopping and culture district.

Meanwhile, established design districts such as 751 D.Park and Dashilar once again round out the mix of offerings. The former area, sited within the 798 Arts District, hosts several international presentations, anchored by 2016 Guest City Seoul and Daan Roosegaarde’s Smog Tower pilot project. The latter is more deeply embedded in the historic city center and fittingly offers a more distinctly local flavor, from Laozihao Revival to Hutong Vision.

Last but certainly not least, the Baitasi Remade project enters its second year with the blanket program “Urban Learning & The Future of Sharing”, including initiatives such as the ambitious Global School and the BTS Print Club. The multipronged revitalization effort also includes courtyard-house renovations by Chinese architects Zhang Ke, Xu Tiantian, and Dong Gong. The three-to-five-year timeline for the Baitasi district ensures a robust result, and is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

Beijing Design Week 2016 runs until 7 October throughout the city. For more information, see BJDW.org.