Eleven days ago nine designers boarded a plane… We had overcame the unthinkable and were about to experience the unimaginable…(and I’m not just referring to the Chinese cuisine!)

As we arrived to the other side of the world ICOGRADA WORLD DESIGN CONGRESS went from a dream to a reality.

The venue was an architectural wonder, everything was organized to a T. The event lasted a series of days each with sections and panels of designers, architects, typographers and design groups. One  would choose which section depending on the subject and  designers announced. After deciding the section one would attend a 45 min lectures, followed by tea breaks (refreshments provided by the organizers) the more lectures and then lunch. Lunch would usually be something very picturesque. Then more lectures followed by another tea break and then two more lectures. After there would be an event that would be held at another part of the city. It was great because one got to site see to get to these venues. We really took advantage of the transportation facilities here we took train, bus, walked, and took taxis to these places.

The first designer that really impressed me was Sol Sender, he talked about the development of Obama’s campaign logo. How his team of designers came up with a logo, provided the guidelines on how it should be presented and use. Yet it took on a life of its own.

Another key note speaker also made a comment that stuck with me…he said that China wanted to host this event to show the world that they too are impacted by design…China wants the world to shift its perception of things being made in China to being Created in china.

To whoever is reading this: please have a cortadito ready for us, we’ll cook some Odlong noodles for you in return. See you all soon!

One word AWESOME!!….. well except for the tea

Our trip to China is almost over, but it has been one of the most exciting experiences in our lives.  I really appreciate the help of every person that made this trip possible for us. We not only came to learn about design, but we also got to experience the culture, the food, the language, the landscapes and architecture. Every city that we visited had something special waiting for us.  

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy,