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Future Lab

Description

bodw Future Lab is our new space for experimentation, collaboration, and creative exchange. It is the immersive heart of BODW Summit 2025 where your curiosity becomes our collective action. This immersive space invites participants to explore bold ideas, discuss emerging technologies, and engage in collaborative exchanges that push boundaries in design, business, and innovation. It will keep you at the cutting edge of creativity.

 

Designed to be an open, interactive environment, Future Lab encourages active participation, spontaneous dialogue, and hands-on exploration. It marks BODW as different, moving away from formal presentations toward more conversational and collaborative formats. More than just a showcase, Future Lab is a dedicated space for inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, bringing together designers, technologists, business leaders, and creative thinkers from Hong Kong and the world, with a special focus on generational exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and our 2025 partner country, Italy.

 

By connecting emerging talent with established voices, and local needs with global networks, Future Lab invites all participants to take part in shaping the future… together.

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Future Lab

Monday,24 Nov

BODW In the City 2025: CurioCity HK
BODW in the city
Concurrent Event

BODW In the City 2025: CurioCity HK, is a citywide programme organised by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC). This initiative aims to showcase design talents and promote cross culture collaborations between design and business sectors, and seeks to amplify the impact of Business of Design Week in Hong Kong multi districts beyond the conference, connecting global design expertise with businesses and design units across Hong Kong.

Friday,28 Nov

deTour 2025 - design festival
PMQ Management Company Limited
Concurrent Event

Hong Kong's annual design festival, deTour 2025, returns from 28 November to 7 December 2025. Under the theme "The Shape of Yearning", curator Adonian Chan invites the public to explore design's essence through the “Design Trichotomy” lenses of Envisioning, Idealising, and Believing.

Monday,01 Dec

2025 Leadership Forum – Beyond Interdisciplinarity
PolyU Design
Concurrent Event

The 2025 Leadership Forum on Beyond Interdisciplinarity is a concurrent event within the programme of Business of Design Week (BODW), a flagship event organised annually by the Hong Kong Design Centre and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design). This year, the Leadership Forum is scheduled for 1 December 2025 as a hybrid event. Traditionally, the Forum brings together industry professionals and academic leaders to share their perspectives and insights.

Wednesday,03 Dec

Designinspire
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Concurrent Event

A Business to All exchange and inspiring platform gathering global design and innovation elites, trend-setting brands, associations and institutes to promote state-of-the-art innovation and ideas via an array of interactive exhibits.

Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025
Maison&Objet
Concurrent Event

Maison&Objet, the world's leading brand for international design, interior decoration and lifestyle, is set to return to Hong Kong with an expanded event, reinventing the existing model of the professional exhibition: Maison&Objet Intérieurs Hong Kong 2025.

Opening Ceremony
Business of Design Week
09:00 - 09:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

The Rise of Living Cities: How Technology is Breathing Life into Urban Infrastructure
Dr Carlo Ratti
09:30 - 10:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

How can cities evolve to become truly responsive and adaptive to the needs of their people? In this keynote, Carlo Ratti will discuss how emerging technologies are transforming traditional urban infrastructure into adaptive, responsive, and interactive systems that fundamentally change how cities function and serve their inhabitants.
Keynote

Integrated Design: Vision and Approach for Future Cities
Patricia Viel
10:10 - 10:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

IDENTITY: ACPV ARCHITECTS’ distinctive practice, delivering a high volume of work globally across urban design, residential, workplace, and hospitality—rooted in the “Milanese School”, in authenticity and cultural sensitivity. 
Keynote

Between Memory and Possibility
Ole Scheeren
10:40 - 11:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

When curiosity drives us to rethink how we live, work and connect, we can discover new possibilities for shaping our world. 
Keynote

Curiously Human: Inspiring Imagination in the Equation of Architecture
Michele De Lucchi
11:10 - 11:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Michele De Lucchi reveals how architecture is a living equation where humanity is the essential, curiously human variable. His keynote explores architecture’s transformative power to inspire collective imagination, shaping adaptable, sustainable environments that respond to rapid social and environmental changes.
Keynote

Spaces with Purpose: Creating Landmarks That Anchor Culture and Community
Brett Wightman & Richard Frost
11:40 - 12:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Venues have the power to do more than host events — they can become enduring landmarks that shape cities, celebrate culture, and foster community. 
Fireside Chat

Curiosity, Desire and Civil Rights
Walter Mariotti
12:10 - 12:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Italian architecture embodies the interplay between curiosity, freedom, and civil rights. From Renaissance piazzas designed for public gatherings to modern social housing projects, architects have explored how spaces can foster democratic participation.
Keynote

Curiosity Beyond Boundaries: Redefining Architecture and Urban Futures
Dr Carlo Ratti, Patricia Viel, Ole Scheeren, Walter Mariotti & Ma Yansong
12:30 - 13:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Curiosity drives these master architects to dissolve boundaries between inside and outside, form and void, tradition and innovation. Their visionary approaches create poetic spaces that redefine the future of architecture and urban design.
Panel Discussion

Curiosity, Craft, and the Future of Lamborghini
Mitja Borkert
14:00 - 14:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Head of Design at Lamborghini Centro Stile, Mitja Borkert, opens the Mobility Revolution pillar by showing how curiosity—together with the brand’s ethos of Brave, Unexpected, and Authentic — powers Lamborghini’s creative and innovation culture.
Keynote

Curiosity delivers great products (and great business)
Dr Andrea Ferraresi
14:30 - 15:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

When curiosity is free to flow, disruptive innovation finds its way beyond structured processes.
Keynote

When Curiosity Designs the Future
Matteo Fioravanti
15:00 - 15:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Curiosity has always been the invisible engine of human progress — the force that pushes us to question, explore, and reinvent.
Keynote

Preserving the Italian Automotive Soul in a New Mobility Era
Mitja Borkert, Dr Andrea Ferraresi & Matteo Fioravanti
15:30 - 16:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

As mobility transforms, how do we preserve the soul of Italian automotive excellence? Passion and curiosity remain the spark while design, engineering, and technology converge to craft new experiences. Through cross-disciplinary innovation, Italy’s automotive leaders are reimagining performance, beauty, and emotion for the future—ensuring the distinctive character and craft of Italian marques not only endure but continue to inspire. 
Panel Discussion

Leading the EV Disruption: Mainland Companies at the Forefront
Tony Ip, Chen Bao & Prof Viveca Chan
16:00 - 16:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Mainland China’s EV leaders are reshaping mobility through rapid innovation, bold design, and integrated ecosystems. This session explores how they scale smart manufacturing, master software-defined vehicles, build global supply chains, and compete on user experience.
Panel Discussion

The Courage of Being Curious
David Imai
16:40 - 17:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

In design, curiosity is nothing without bravery and bravery is borned in a nurturing environment. A designer must have the courage to take leaps of faith and trust that their curiosity will lead them to new and innovative solutions.
Keynote

Design without boundaries: how curiosity shapes the future of sustainable yachting at Bluegame 
Luca Santella
17:10 - 17:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Curiosity is a starting point and one of the key drivers of my work. Alongside passion, risk-taking and a deep understanding of the market, it shapes true innovation.
Keynote

Thursday,04 Dec

DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025
DFA Awards
Concurrent Event

The prestigious DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on 4 Dec 2025 (tentative), honoring exceptional design achievements.

Business of IP Asia Forum
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Concurrent Event

Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, BIP Asia brings together IP professionals and business leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest developments in the IP world, and to explore business collaboration opportunities.

Curiosity as Craft: A Way of Design
Susanna Minotti
09:00 - 09:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Rooted in Brianza’s tradition of craftsmanship, Minotti blends sartorial precision with innovation, balancing heritage and global vision.
Keynote

Craft to Contemporary: Reinventing Porcelain Design
Dr Barbara Villari
09:30 - 10:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Dr. Villari traces VILLARI’s journey from artisan workshop to global brand, opening with a short film on the house’s heritage and porcelain’s evolution.
Keynote

Curiosity as a Catalyst: How Molteni&C Blends Tradition, Innovation, and Global Vision
Andrea Molteni
10:00 - 10:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

This session explores how curiosity fuels Molteni&C’s unique approach to design and business. From rediscovering and reinventing Italian heritage to collaborating with world-renowned architects, curiosity drives innovation and timeless craftsmanship. We’ll examine how this mindset shapes product development, sustainability efforts, global expansion, allowing Molteni&C to create bespoke solutions across retail and contract markets worldwide.
Keynote

Update Tradition
Min Chen
10:30 - 11:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Me as a bridge connecting past and present, east and west, ideal and reality; Why updating? The fundamental difference between east and west in creativity;
Keynote

At the Edge of Space and Light
Tereza Šváchová
11:00 - 11:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

I think about empty space - the space that light fills. Is it still empty, or suddenly full? And what happens when I place glass in its way?
Keynote

Curiosity Meets Craft: Artisan Intelligence in Action
Susanna Minotti, Min Chen, Barbara Villari & Tereza Šváchová
11:30 - 12:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

How does curiosity translate into tangible innovatioHow does curiosity translate into tangible innovation across furniture, industrial design, and crafted objects? This conversation brings together Susanna Minotti, Dr Barbara Villari, Min Chen, and Tereza Šváchová to explore the synergy between design, time-honoured craftsmanship, and emerging material technologies.n across furniture, industrial design, and crafted objects?
Panel Discussion

Reimagining Everyday Design⁠⁠⁠⁠: Material Intelligence and Living Form⁠⁠⁠⁠
Ron Arad & Patrizia Moroso
12:00 - 12:45 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

“I used to say, ‘Boredom is the mother of creativity.’ Lately, I’ve shifted the motherhood to curiosity.” — Ron Arad, BODW 2012​ 
Fireside Chat

The Future of Interiors: Craft, Conscience, and Collaboration
Cendrine de Susbielle, Paul Bonlaron, Mathilde Brétillot & Marion Mailander
14:00 - 14:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

This panel explores how heritage craft can shape the future of interior design through a conscious, collaborative approach. Cendrine de Susbielle, Creative Director of the newly formed Manufactures Nationales—uniting Mobilier National and the Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres & Limoges—will outline the institution’s vision for championing French craftsmanship and the decorative arts, with examples of partnerships across leading ateliers and designers.
Panel Discussion

Fireside Chat - Angelica Visconti & Stefania Ricci
Angelica Visconti & Stefania Ricci
14:30 - 15:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Fireside Chat - Angelica Visconti & Stefania Ricci
Fireside Chat

Curiosity Meets Passion: Buccellati’s Innovation and Timeless Artistry
Nicolas Luchsinger
15:00 - 15:25 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Passion is at the heart of Buccellati, the iconic Italian jewelry maison. CEO Nicolas Luchsinger shares how curiosity fuels their creative process, blending innovative design with masterful craftsmanship.
Keynote

Keynote - Tiziana Fausti
Tiziana Fausti
15:25 - 15:50 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Keynote - Tiziana Fausti
Keynote

From Tradition to Tomorrow: Italian Luxury Redefined
Angelica Visconti, Tiziana Fausti & Nicolas Luchsinger
15:50 - 16:20 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Join Nicolas Luchsinger (Buccellati), Angelica Visconti (FERRAGAMO), and Tiziana Fausti (10 Corso Como) as they explore how Italy’s legendary luxury sector balances heritage with modernity.
Panel Discussion

Typeface design for luxury brands and everyday life
Akira Kobayashi
16:20 - 16:50 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

In this presentation, a designer with 40 years of experience will explain techniques for incorporating a brand’s desired expression into corporate typefaces without compromising legibility.
Keynote

(under)Statement: Redefining luxury interiors for the next generation
Tina Norden
16:50 - 17:20 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Modern luxury today is not about loud logos and more about authenticity, craft, and experiences that connect across generations, cultures and continents. 
Keynote

Design Beyond Styles & Rules
Enoch Hui
17:20 - 17:45 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Interior designers often define projects using various established styles, such as minimalism or Scandinavian design, or by following current trends. However, these “styles” can impose limitations, potentially restricting creativity and curiosity.
Keynote

The Emotional Intelligence of Luxury: Designing Meaning Beyond the Object
Sara Biancaccio
17:45 - 18:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Keynote - Sara Biancaccio
Keynote

Friday,05 Dec

2025 Guangzhou Design Week
Guangzhou Design Week
Concurrent Event

Guangzhou Design Week was found in 2006 as the first design week event in China. lt has been jointly endorsed and promoted by lFl, ICSID and lCOGRADA since 2007. After 20 years’ development, Guangzhou Design Week has grown into the premier design event in Asia as well as a platform for resources integration, known for connecting designer around the world as well as value creation.

Keynote – Emma Chiu
Emma Chiu
09:00 - 09:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Keynote – Emma Chiu
Keynote

Keynote – Matteo Battiston
Matteo Battiston
09:35 - 10:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Keynote – Matteo Battiston
Keynote

Designing Productivity: AI for Industrial Intelligence at Scale
Will Shi
10:10 - 10:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

AI should not stop at augmenting how we listen, speak, read, and write. While unlocking design and creativity, it must also drive two strategic vectors across industries: Industrial Intelligence and Intelligent Industrialization—delivering tangible productivity and value at scale.
Keynote

The Power of Possibility: Digital Domain's Journey to Real-World AI Virtual Humans
William Wong
10:40 - 11:10 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Discover how Digital Domain, under the bold leadership of the Chairman, William Wong, is not just setting a new global standard for AI-driven virtual humans, but it's actively reshaping the future of human-technology relationships.
Keynote

Panel Discussion – Emma Chiu, Matteo Battiston, William Wong & Will Shi
Emma Chiu, Matteo Battiston, William Wong & Will Shi
11:10 - 11:50 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Panel Discussion – Emma Chiu, Matteo Battiston, William Wong & Will Shi
Panel Discussion

M+ Curated Session: Characterisation as Design Strategy
Sunny Cheung & Yumi An King
11:50 - 12:50 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

In the space of less than a decade, AI imagery has advanced to the point where realistic professional looking video can simply be generated via keywords rather than traditionally shot.
Panel Discussion

A New Blueprint: Cultural Curation and Memorable Moments
Patti Wong, Dr Iwan Dietschi, Kevin Bethune & Clay Chandler
14:00 - 14:40 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Session synopsis: The world's most compelling destinations are no longer found, but designed and curated. This panel explores how MGM is moving beyond hospitality to create memorable moments and compose the cultural identity of a world-class destination.
Panel Discussion

The Evolving Transformation of the Design Museum
Tim Marlow
14:40 - 15:15 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Museums ignite curiosity, but the Design Museum is pushing further. CEO and Director Tim Marlow charts its evolution into a dynamic hub that engages broad audiences through unexpected lenses such as sport, fashion, and film, while balancing physical and digital experiences and embracing new technology.
Keynote

Keynote – Paola Antonelli
Paola Antonelli
15:15 - 15:50 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Keynote – Paola Antonelli
Keynote

Curiosity Engines: Rewiring Museums for the Future of Design
Tim Marlow, Paola Antonelli & Suhanya Raffel
15:50 - 16:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

How should museums evolve when design permeates everything from AI to climate, craft to cities? Suhanya Raffel (M+), Tim Marlow (the Design Museum), and Paola Antonelli (MoMA) share how they’re turning museums into curiosity engines — commissioning, collecting, and exhibiting across disciplines while engaging new publics on- and offline. 
Panel Discussion

Designing the Spirit of a Nation: The Creative Journey Behind Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Raffaella Paniè
16:30 - 17:00 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

In this keynote, Raffaella Paniè reveals the creative vision and design strategy behind the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, exploring how curiosity, culture, and collaboration shaped the identity of one of the world’s largest and most visible events.
Keynote

Rethinking & Encouraging Design - Through Design Prize Switzerland’s Transformation​
Benjamin Moser
17:00 - 17:30 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

In this keynote, Benjamin Moser—Curator and Director of Design Prize Switzerland—explores the transformative power of design at the intersection of culture and economic change, and how this vision is shaping a new era for the prize.​
Keynote

Closing Ceremony
Business of Design Week
17:30 - 17:45 (GMT+8)BODW Summit

Closing Ceremony