Re:Materialize - róng design library

Re:Materialize

Re:Materialize highlights the proactive design philosophy of "Material-Driven Design." By re-evaluating materials and exploring innovative applications, it inspires designers to delve into the intrinsic nature and untapped potential of materials, fostering sustainable and imaginative design practices.

The exhibition brings together cross-disciplinary artists, designers, art academies, craftsmanship researchers, and material manufacturers to conduct material-based creations and experiments centered around three themes outlined in Rong Design Library’s 2025/26 Material Trend Report: "Present Optimism," "Nostalgic Shelter," and "Harmonic Connection."

Exhibition Details

Date | June 4 – July 7, 2025

Venue | Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, 1099 Guozhan Road, Pudong New Area

Co-founders | Rong Design Library, Design Shanghai

Curators | Zhang Lei, Lu Jingyi

Art Director | Jovana Zhang

Forum Planner | Wang Xingze

Curatorial Assistants | Zhang Zexuan, Chen Xiaoyue

Participating Designers & Artists |

Chen Tongyi, Christoph John, Duan Lisha, Hei Yu, Jovana Zhang, Ke Xiaolin, Li Gang, Lu Xiang, Mei Shuzhi, Wang Qin, Wu Jinwei, Wu Yanling, Wu Jian’an, Xu Gang, Xu Yanhui, Yan Rui, Zheng Yi, Zhou Chenchen, Zhao Yun, Zhao Zihan, Zhou Anbin, Zhang Fan

Participating Brands |

AICO, ALPI, Benecke Changshun, Bella Vista Studio, textile possibilities × SHOKAY, DECO·DECO, Dongpeng, DONGXING; Dongxing Inorganic Terrazzo, i-Mesh, Kingwills, SACUCCI, SDCC Art Ceramic Materials, TAN(CHINA), Tesca Group, TUSITA, Ultrasuede®, Ūgan Concept, SPIRALSPIRAL,YINGLIANG GROUP, YARDCOM

Invited Crafts & Designer Materials |

Shuttle Museum、JiYi folk craft & art research studio、Xuberance、Lin Min、Tong Huijun、Sifeng & Bugong, Songli、Tangshui Studio、Sivan & TaTa、Jingxian Yixuange Xuan Paper Artware Co., Ltd. 、YISENCERAMIC WORKSHOP, Nanjing Jinling Gold Leaf Group Co., Ltd.、Tranquilly studio 、Xueyu Studio, Belinda Zhang

Cooperating Institutions |

Product Design Department, School of Industrial Design, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts

Visual Communication Design Major, School of Visual Communication, China Academy of Art

School of Fashion Design, China Academy of Art

Lacquer Art Major, School of Craft Art, China Academy of Art

Material Recommendation Institutions |

IDEAFUSION, STUDIO / forme de matiere， Material Innovation Professional Committee of Zhejiang Creative Design Association

Sustainable Material Recommendation Institution |

NANOxARCH®CSMS

Material Recommendation Consultants |

He Jie, Song Xiaojie, Yu Bin, Zhu Xiaoming

Exhibition Facade Material Support | Kingwills

Exhibition Lighting Support | pollcca

Present Optimism

Face an uncertain future with an optimistic attitude. Starting from the details of daily life, make every tiny aspect harmonious and fulfilling. Refuse to cling to the past or future—design focuses on creating present happiness, using diverse creativity to build momentary beauty in life.

Theme Direction 1 「The Glimmer Ritual」In fragmented daily life, we often overlook fleeting subtle feelings.

Theme Direction 2 「Joyful Manifesto」A passionate response to emotional freedom and personal expression.

Nostalgic Shelter

Humanity’s visions of the future often evoke a nostalgic yearning for ancient memories. Design serves as an emotional bridge across time and space, connecting the "passed" and the "to-come," while exploring the collision aesthetics between future-oriented materials and Earth's primordial materials.

Theme Direction 2「The Cavern Refuge」In an era of rapid evolution and uncertainty, humanity reverts to instinctual feelings of security.

Theme Direction 1 「Archaic Futures」When humanity gazes into the future, our vision often reflects the oldest memories.

Harmonic Connection

In the face of severe challenges such as climate crisis, war threats, and population aging, the significance of design extends far beyond aesthetic expression. The theme of "Harmonic Connection" focuses on the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, humans and others, and multiple species, calling on designers to address contemporary issues with a sense of responsibility and pragmatic spirit.

Theme Direction 1「Symbiotic Utopia」Facing societal diversity and ecological crises, "Symbiotic Utopia" proposes a vision for future-oriented symbiotic living.

Theme Direction 2「The Craft Way」"The Craft Way" focuses on the connection between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary expression, emphasizing the collaborative growth of "old knowledge" and "new techniques."