The Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) held a celebration at the academy's Visual Art Center in Beijing on Nov. 8, marking the 60th anniversary of its industrial design major. The event, themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China," consisted of an opening ceremony, exhibition and seminar. It also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the department of industrial design's renaming.

Guests attend the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Zhang Lei, director of AADTHU's department of industrial design, presides over the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

The event served as a retrospective of the developments and achievements of the industrial design major over the past six decades, while also looking forward to future design innovations. Through a series of celebratory events, AADTHU's department of industrial design showcased its outstanding accomplishments and influence in design education, academic research, creative practice and social service.

Jiang Peixue, vice president of Tsinghua University, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

At the exhibition's opening, Jiang Peixue, vice president of Tsinghua University, praised the exhibits for showcasing the achievements and strong foundation of AADTHU's industrial design department in teaching and research. He highlighted the department's successes in cultivating talented designers and advancing industry development, with a teaching philosophy that has consistently kept pace with the times, actively responding to the demands of both socio-economic development and practical needs. Jiang expressed his hope that it will continue to lead innovation, cultivate more outstanding talent, and elevate both Chinese and global design to new heights.

Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, credited the department's rapid development to the hard work of generations of teachers. He highlighted the academy's steadfast commitment to its founding principle of "art for life, design for livelihood," emphasizing the integration of art and science. Ma also noted that the alumni exhibition showcases the department's achievements, reflecting years of academic and innovative progress while setting an example for students. He encouraged alumni to share their valuable industry experience to support teaching development and expressed hope for further contributions to the department's future growth.

Lu Xiaobo, distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences at Tsinghua University and former dean of AADTHU, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Lu Xiaobo, a distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences at Tsinghua University and former dean of AADTHU, reflected on the department of industrial design as one of the pioneers of industrial design education and practice in China. He stressed that the department has consistently maintained a leading position in the field and achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments, particularly on the international stage, where it has garnered many honors. "In the face of a new era marked by significant global changes, the rapid development of technology has brought both unprecedented opportunities and numerous challenges. I believe the department of industrial design is at a critical juncture in its historical development and will continue to thrive and improve in the future," he said.

Liu Guanzhong, distinguished professor at Tsinghua University and former director of the department of industrial design, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Liu Guanzhong, a distinguished professor at Tsinghua University and former director of the department of industrial design, emphasized that design is not just about sensory satisfaction but is deeply connected to cultural heritage and basic human needs like food, clothing, shelter and transportation. He stressed the need to educate students with systematic, logical thinking and promote the department's long-term development through cultural and spiritual enhancement. Liu also highlighted the importance of talent cultivation. "Chinese design must promote a philosophy with Chinese characteristics, draw from advanced global experiences, and offer unique Chinese perspectives and wisdom to contribute to the community with a shared future for mankind," he said. 

Liu Ning, president of the China Industrial Design Association, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Liu Ning, president of the China Industrial Design Association, noted that over the past 60 years, AADTHU's department of industrial design has closely aligned its development with national needs, sharing in the country's socio-economic transformation, cultivating generations of top designers and scholars, and making significant contributions to industrial design in China. He specially stressed in today's challenging era, there's an increasing demand for higher education and sci-tech talent, that his association will continue to strengthen its collaborations with the department and contribute more significantly to the nation.

Deng Chengbin, former president of AADTHU's Shenzhen Alumni Association, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Deng Chengbin, former president of AADTHU's Shenzhen Alumni Association, compared attending the celebration to "coming home." He reminisced fondly about his time studying in the department of industrial design, saying that these courses not only sparked his deep exploration into the essence of design but also nurtured his innovative thinking in cross-disciplinary design work. Drawing on his experiences, Deng emphasized that design requires social recognition and value affirmation. "My past experience in the department of industrial design pushed me to constantly explore how to respond to societal needs through design," he said.

Hao Ninghui, dean of the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and alumni representative, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Hao Ninghui, dean of the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and alumni representative, emphasized that AADTHU's department of industrial design has undertaken the important mission of cultivating Chinese design talent over the past six decades, producing countless outstanding designers. He expressed his deep respect for the predecessors who silently contributed to the field of industrial design, the hardworking faculty on the front lines, and the design students who continue to pursue their dreams. Hao stated that the department's teachers have always inspired students with the spirit of "actions speak louder than words." He then encouraged younger students to bravely pursue their design dreams and wished the department continued success in nurturing more talent to make greater contributions to the design industry.

Wang Mingzhi, former vice president of Tsinghua University and former dean of AADTHU, speaks at the opening of the event themed "ID 60 Years: Retrospect and Prospect of Industrial Design Education in China" at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Wang Mingzhi, former vice president of Tsinghua University, former dean of AADTHU, and distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences, was thrilled by the alumni achievement exhibition themed "Actions Speak Louder Than Words." He expressed his pride in the professional products on display and delight at the department of industrial design's accomplishments. Recalling the founding of the Central Academy of Arts & Design, now known as AADTHU, he paid tribute to its key founder, Zheng Ke, for his outstanding contributions to industrial design's early development in China. Wang also honored the academy's first design graduates for their pioneering work in Chinese design, and expressed respect for the past leadership and faculty for their innovations in industrial design. He closed by wishing the department continued prosperity and officially declared the opening of the exhibition. 

AADTHU, formerly the Central Academy of Arts & Design founded in 1956, pioneered China's industrial design education system. In a seminal move in 1964, professor Zheng Ke, who had returned from studying in France, initiated with others the "Industrial Art Design Class" at the academy. He led students in designing vehicles, including buses, trucks and diesel locomotives, which had a significant social impact. This marked the start of industrial design education in the early stages of industrial development in the People's Republic of China. 

In 1975, a group of pioneers established China's first department of industrial arts, launching modern industrial product design education. In 1984, the department of industrial arts was developed into the industrial design department at the Central Academy of Arts & Design. This transformation set the stage for a structured design education framework and methodology. This year, the department also celebrates the 40th anniversary of its renaming.

Documents from the department of industrial design on display at the alumni achievement exhibition marking the industrial design major's 60th anniversary at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

In 1999, the Central Academy of Arts & Design merged with Tsinghua University to become AADTHU, embracing the academic banner of art and science integration and beginning the exploration of interdisciplinary development. During the AADTHU era, the department of industrial design further expanded its role and influence in interdisciplinary integration, achieving comprehensive development in areas such as design theory, foundational design education, research-oriented talent cultivation, and industry-university-research cooperation. The department's faculty team has guided numerous emerging designers in their efforts and forging ahead, contributing many outstanding design professionals to the rapid development of China's industry since reform and opening up. At the same time, the department has maintained its leading position in design education in the nation.

Guests visit the alumni achievement exhibition themed "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" marking the 60th anniversary of the industrial design major at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

After the opening ceremony for the department's 60th anniversary celebration, guests toured the alumni achievement exhibition, themed "Actions Speak Louder Than Words." The exhibition was divided into three sections: product design, transportation vehicle design, and display design, showcasing the department's decades of expertise in design education and the remarkable achievements of its alumni. 

The product design section featured nearly 200 works across fields such as cellphones, home appliances, cultural and creative products, and industrial equipment. The transportation vehicle design section displayed over 20 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and aircraft. Meanwhile, the display design section highlighted major projects led by faculty and alumni, including large-scale exhibitions, public spaces, museums and national-level celebrations.

Experts take part in a roundtable discussion during an academic seminar marking the 60th anniversary of the industrial design major at AADTHU, Beijing, Nov. 8, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

An academic seminar with the theme "Design · Dream · Future" followed, attended by around 300 teachers, students, alumni and guests. It began with a roundtable on industrial design education and talent development. A panel of eight experts discussed the legacy, innovative practices and future trends in design education, focusing on adapting to societal and business needs, maintaining innovation amid rapid technological change, and fostering collaboration between industries, universities and research institutes to enhance the impact and application of industrial design. 

In the alumni session, eight industry leaders shared case studies, exploring how design drives product innovation, brand development and business benefits. Drawing on their experiences, they examined the applications of design in business, social innovation, display art, smart technology, user experience and entrepreneurship. The seminar reviewed the achievements of industrial design education in China and encouraged young designers to embrace limitless possibilities through innovation.