ROME, April 30 (Xinhua Silk Road) -- Chinese companies are increasingly presenting integrated design solutions at the 64th Salone del Mobile, an international furniture and design industry event recently held in Milan, Italy.
The event, long seen as a key indicator of global design trends and consumer preferences, highlights a growing focus on aesthetics, emotional value and sustainability. Outdoor spaces, once considered secondary to indoor living, are now evolving into multifunctional areas for socializing, leisure and well-being.
Against this backdrop, Chinese exhibitors are changing how they present themselves. Instead of focusing on individual products, more firms are showcasing complete spatial concepts, advanced materials and international design collaborations to demonstrate their vision of future lifestyles.
Chinese outdoor lifestyle brand YARDCOM presented an outdoor installation at the main venue in collaboration with South African architecture firm SAOTA. Ma Qingjiang, founder of YARDCOM, said future competition will increasingly depend on the ability to integrate materials, technology, design, spatial solutions and service systems.
Stefan Antoni, founder of SAOTA, told Xinhua that China has become "a very exciting country to follow." Chinese design stands out for its sense of culture, history and continuity, as well as its depth and connection to nature, he said, adding that "it is very inspiring" as China today provides not just products, but also ideas and creativity.
Ma added that participation in Milan is no longer just about product display, but about engaging in global discussions on design language and lifestyle trends. As Chinese manufacturing moves up the value chain, companies are seeking to translate technical strengths into design expressions that resonate internationally.
(Contributed by Gao Jingyan & Diao Ze, edited by Duan Jing with Xinhua Silk Road, duanjing@xinhua.org)
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