On November 16, 2024, Milan, Italy, welcomed the Tsinghua International Conference on Art & Design Education, hosted by Tsinghua University in collaboration with the Academy of Arts and Design, the Milan Art Institute, and the China-Italy Design Innovation Hub.
With the theme "NEW DIMENSIONS: IMAGINATION BEYOND HORIZON," the conference gathered representatives from over 50 international institutions across 14 countries, including more than 150 university leaders, professors, and experts.
Over two days, six thematic forums, three roundtable discussions, and an international student exhibition facilitated dialogue on current trends and future directions in art and design education.
Qiu Yong, Party Secretary of Tsinghua University; Liu Kan, Consul General of China in Milan; and Christoph Lindner, President of the Royal College of Art, attended the conference’s opening ceremony alongside Giuliano Noci, Vice President of Politecnico di Milano, who delivered a video address. The event was hosted by Ma Sai, Dean of Tsinghua’s Academy of Arts & Design.
Qiu Yong emphasised that cultural and educational exchanges are crucial for strengthening China-Italy ties. He highlighted Tsinghua’s dedication to integrating fine arts, science, and technology and described the conference as a vital platform for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing global innovation in art and design education.
Christoph Lindner emphasised blending critical thinking with nature and traditional crafts.
Ma Sai underlined the mission of designers to address societal challenges through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches, shaping future talent equipped with research, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Lorenzo Imbesi highlighted the role of design education in bridging cultures, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability. Rathna Ramanathan called for integrating art, technology, and responsibility to empower students as lifelong learners. Emmanuel Tibloux stressed the importance of addressing regional ecological and social issues, advocating for design education to extend beyond classrooms and promote sustainable development.
Six thematic forums formed the core of the conference:
Forum 1: Traditional and Innovation—The Evolution of Aesthetic ParadigmsThis forum explored aesthetic evolution, featuring speeches by Ma Sai, Zou Feng (Beijing University of Technology), Wei Jie (Jiangnan University), and Suzan Al-Yahya (Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Saudi Arabia). Moderated by Yang Dongjiang (Tsinghua), it highlighted the balance between tradition and innovation.
Forum 2: Carbon and Silicon—The Wonders of Human-Machine SynergySpeakers included Clement Valla (Rhode Island School of Design), Benjamin Stowe (Norwich University of the Arts), Tan Hao (Hunan University), Horst Hörtner (Ars Electronica), Guido Tattoni (NABA, Milan), Min Bokki (Seoul National University), and Dong Shubing (Tsinghua). Moderated by Shi Danqing (Tsinghua), discussions focused on human-machine collaboration and its impact on design innovation.
Forum 3: Constants and Variables—The Formula for Diverse EnvironmentsSpeakers Francesco Zurlo (Politecnico di Milano), Wang Xiaoxin (Tsinghua), Andrea Cancellato (ADI Design Museum), Juan Cruz (Edinburgh College of Art), Frances Corner (Goldsmiths, University of London), and Claudine Rousseau (London College of Fashion) shared insights on sustainable design and resource preservation. Moderated by Chen Anying (Tsinghua).
Claudine Rousseau presented thoughts on new evolving technologies, craft skills, the heightened focus on preserving finite resources, and what this means for the next generation of creatives aiming towards this more responsible, innovative, and inclusive future for fashion. She emphasised the importance of preserving human connection to coexist with ever-evolving new technologies and questioned what human creativity means in these new spaces.
“It’s important to ensure that our students understand what is real and what is not, as well as the materiality of their work, as early as possible. We discuss analogue tools, digital tools, and embracing the full diversity of the toolbox. By doing so, we encourage them to think critically and creatively, leveraging all these resources to their fullest potential.” — Claudine Rousseau
Forum 4: Founding and Breaking—The Shifting Boundary Between DisciplinesThis forum explored breaking disciplinary boundaries and featured speakers Yang Dongjiang (Tsinghua), Alistair Hudson (ZKM Centre for Art and Media), Jussi Ängeslevä (Berlin University of the Arts), Zhang Lei (Tsinghua), Sarah Kenderdine (EPFL), Teo Lay Suan (Singapore University of Technology and Design), and Shi Danqing (Tsinghua). Moderated by Wang Xiaomo (Tsinghua), it stressed adaptability in the evolving art and design landscape.
Forum 5: Identity and Mission—Shaping Talents for the FutureFocused on cultivating talent in the era of artificial intelligence, this forum included Christoph Lindner (RCA), Ma Sai (Tsinghua), Lorenzo Imbesi (CUMULUS), Rathna Ramanathan (Central Saint Martins), and Emmanuel Tibloux (ENSAD). Moderated by Dong Shubing (Tsinghua), it highlighted balancing humanistic care with technological advancements.
Forum 6: Intersection and Integration—Constructing an Academic EcosystemThis forum addressed interdisciplinary research’s role in fostering creativity. Speakers included Lee Kin Wai (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Gordon Hush (The Glasgow School of Art), John Ochsendorf (MIT), Anna Barbara (POLI.design), and Claudio Rocca (Florence Academy of Fine Arts). Moderated by Li Jing (Tsinghua), it emphasised interdisciplinary methods in art and design education.