London Deign Festival, 360 MAGAZINE, Kengo Kuma

Integrating Art & Technology as 2019 London Design Festival Showcases Innovative Design Power

Based on the mutual recognition of design philosophy and aesthetics, OPPO has teamed up with the acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, to present a large outdoor installation ‘Bamboo (竹) Ring: Weaving into Lightness’, which is installed in the John Madejski Garden at the V&A Museum for the duration of London Design Festival (14th – 22nd September). OPPO will be the only Asian technology brand to partner on a large outdoor installation at the V&A during London Design Festival 2019. 

Kengo Kuma said: 

“Working on this project with OPPO has been a very interesting experience. OPPO London Design Centre share a mutual interest and passion for the exploration of the integration of technology and natural materials. Using both bamboo and carbon fibre in the installation allows us to create an installation that fits into the landscape around it. OPPO likes to push the boundaries in innovative design to allow users to enjoy the beauty of technology, and this is how I create my work; the constant exploration of new materials, forms and environments. ‘Bamboo (竹) Ring: Weaving into Lightness’ is an adventurous exploration of this topic.” 

Jintong Zhu, Head of OPPO London Design Centre, added: 

“We are very excited about our co-creation with the incredible Kengo Kuma. For OPPO London Design Centre, one of the focuses is to explore the future of design and technology, and how we can create technology that adds value to our day to day life. We hope that this installation helps to capture people’s imagination and promote our enthusiasm for cutting-edge design to develop new technology.” 

Using pioneering technology and futuristic design, OPPO also introduces innovative creativity through an immersive experience called ‘Essence of Discovery’[1] that is located on Baker Street, London. The installation showcases the possibilities of achieving a more harmonious relationship between humans and technology, and explores the science of crafting products that blend beauty, intelligence and material tactility. Through the experimental design, OPPO London Design Centre will continue the exploration into new product areas, lifestyle trends and experiences, outside of their work with smartphones. 

Jintong Zhu said: 

“The installation, ‘Essence of Discovery’ is inspired by our research on the boundaries in product design and we hope that people enjoy interacting with our experience and take away a greater understanding of our design philosophy. As a new hub for OPPO in the field of design and art, the aim for OPPO London Design Centre is to explore the integration of technology and art through in-depth research on global aesthetics of design. We believe the London Design Festival is a perfect platform to introduce our design power to the world, and we will continue to provide cutting-edge information for OPPO design.” 

The ‘Essence of Discovery’ installation can be viewed at 35 Baker Street throughout London Design Festival, from 14th – 22nd September. 

‘Bamboo (竹) Ring: Weaving into Lightness’ is located at V&A in the John Madejski Garden and is open from 14th – 22nd September.

Watch.

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