GOINGDUTCH

• Source: Global Times
• [10:29 August 04 2010]
• Comments

This decision was made in order to help Dutch designers better understand, not only the Chinese market, but also the country's architectural tastes and requirements.

Such a close working relationship will potentially benefit both groups, Groothius believes.

"When the designers come to China, it's important that they don't assume they know everything. Instead, they should be prepared to learn from Chinese designers,"

Deborah Meijburg, an account director at Five Spices, one of the three companies that have already moved into the center, told the Global Times that comparing the Shanghai of 1995 with that of today, typified how much the World Expo had brought to the city in terms of design.

"You can see that Shanghai is really open and receptive to new experiences, and that is why this is the perfect time to be opening this workspace," she said.

Dirk Jan Boudeling, the Netherlands consulate Officer for Science and Technology, hopes that apart from carving a niche in the Chinese market, Dutch designers will also be able to absorb wider Chinese culture during their stay. "This means that when they go back to the Netherlands, they will have much more experience," he said.

Du Tiangui, a 27-year-old Chinese architect based in Shanghai told the Global Times he welcomed the program. "I think it's important for creative designers to collaborate in this way. Normally, architects meet up at these yearly international conferences where very little gets done or discussed. This way, designers from different backgrounds can spend a lot more time together," he said.

While the idea of such a subsidized workspace may be novel for Shanghai, it is par for the course in Holland, according to Giel Groothius. Designers regularly receive government grants and subsidized studios, while established manufacturers like Royal Tichelaar Makkum and Moooi are happy to bankroll less commercialized and avant garde design work. "It may be true that we are a little pampered," said Groothuis. "But the government and social support doesn't mean designers get everything for free. And you have to remember that Holland is a small country and population, so there's a need to support these people if we want Dutch design to become a recognizable brand."