“The World of Bamboo” project is a collaboration between Shanghai University, Moganshan government and Blendix Design. Blendix Design is founded by Lulu Fan and Karin van Paassen.
Many Chinese traditional handicrafts are facing disappearing due to low interest from young generation and old-fashioned image of handicrafts. Blendix Design creates opportunities that Chinese handicraft masters can collaborate with experienced Western designers in order to find new identity of Chinese traditional handicrafts, to develop contemporary products that are inspired by these crafts.
“The World of Bamboo” is the first project within the collaboration between Shanghai University and Blendix Design. Dutch designers Lotte van Laatum, Chris Kabel, Yvonne Laurijsen and Erik Mantel are chosen to join this project. From 16th to 28th May 2016, these designers have experimented and designed with bamboo handicrafts masters in Moganshan and Deqing, who are skilled in weaving baskets, making fans, furnitures, cans etc. Concepts and products that are developed during the project will be displayed in Chinese and international design fairs.