Founder and design director of BENTU, NONGZAO and BUZAO.

A Chinese independent designer. For many years, Xu has been leading his design team to delve into the current state of the industrial system, focusing on the urban ecosystem and cultural development. Using humanistic design as the tool and sustainability as the idea, the team has been studying and innovating in the reusability of waste over the past years, fostering the green development of the environment and resources.

Founded in 2011, BENTU is an independent design brand passionate about experimentation and exploration, specializing in product design and innovation. Using design as the fundamental approach, the brand upholds simplicity and closely engages with local culture, reverting to the essence of demand. Pure and pristine, without anything excessive, BENTU honors functionality and the pursuit of free form. Behind all the forms and functions lies a sense of equality and care for all things on Earth. Every material, craft, and culture is appreciated without distinction of high or low, good or bad. There are no treasures or scraps; dirt and diamonds are of the same value as long as they are treated with sincerity.

Material | Reclaimed coconut wood, recycled fishing nets, foam

Size | 42.5*40*40 cm

In early September 2024, Typhoon Mokha struck the coastline of Wengtian Town in Wenchang, Hainan, like a raging beast, bringing violent winds exceeding Force 17. Countless trees were felled in the storm. “Even when trees fall, time does not stop.” The traces of disaster remain etched like memories in every curve and grain of the wood.

Re-Grow & Renew is a response to both reality and phenomenon—through investigation, documentation, innovation, and experimental collaboration, the project spans from pre-production prototypes to the revival of spiritual resilience. By reclaiming post-disaster materials such as fallen coconut trees, discarded fishing nets, and foam waste, the project breathes new life into debris. These transformed resources continue to serve the people of this land, embodying hope through tangible action.