Hong Kong Design Centre

A new chapter in Hong Kong's design scene unfolds on 4 December 2024 as Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC)’s long-anticipated DX design hub officially opens to the public. This milestone development represents more than just a change of address—it embodies HKDC's vision of fostering a vibrant design ecosystem that connects local talent with global opportunities.

A Name with Purpose

The name ‘DX’ carries deep significance, explains HKDC Chairman Prof. Eric Yim. While ‘D’ represents Design and its various disciplines, from urban planning to visual communication, product design to fashion, the ‘X’ symbolises multiplication and crossover. This mathematical reference reflects HKDC's commitment to cultivating diversity in Hong Kong's design industry and creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of HKDC, introduces the innovative spaces that will foster Hong Kong's creative ecosystem and serve as a new cultural landmark in Sham Shui Po, during the DX design hub’s soft opening ceremony

A Strategic Location

Situated in Sham Shui Po, an area experiencing creative rejuvenation, DX design hub occupies five floors within The Symphonie development. ‘Sham Shui Po has evolved into one of Hong Kong's most dynamic creative districts,’ notes Prof. Yim. ‘The neighbourhood pulses with diverse cultural energy, from traditional crafts to contemporary art spaces. DX design hub will serve as a creative anchor, catalysing further transformation of the area.’

More Than a Design Centre

The hub features thoughtfully designed spaces across its five floors, each serving distinct yet interconnected purposes:

1. Ground Floor: Features The Square and Fashion-Pop, offering flexible short-term rental options for emerging fashion designers
2. First Floor: Houses The Gallery for rotating exhibitions
3. Second Floor: Home to The Design Museum and The striking Steps
4. Third Floor: Accommodates The Lounge, The Barn, and versatile co-working spaces

A highlight of the building is the Steps on the second floor, featuring a dramatic 9-metre ceiling height and floor-to-ceiling windows. ‘Standing here, gazing across the West Kowloon corridor, you sense Hong Kong's unique position as a bridge between East and West,’ shares Vice Chairman Steve Leung.

Michael Leung, founder of Studio AA and curator of the ‘PASS THE BATON’ exhibition, leads an exhibition tour during the DX design hub’s soft opening ceremony

A Living Space for Design

DX design hub transcends the traditional concept of a design centre. Vice Chairman Prof. Viveca Chan emphasises its role as a dynamic platform for meaningful engagement: ‘We're creating opportunities for genuine exchange between different communities—from local designers to international visitors. This isn't about superficial networking; it's about fostering deep connections and collaborations.’

The Material Library, established in partnership with materiO' from Paris, will showcase approximately 1,500 innovative materials, while the Design Museum will feature both permanent and rotating exhibitions celebrating Hong Kong's design heritage and contemporary achievements.

Looking Forward

As DX design hub prepares for its December opening, starting with a soft opening on 25 October and culminating in the official launch ceremony on 3 December, it stands ready to fulfil multiple roles: a hub for design innovation, a platform for cultural exchange, and a catalyst for community development. The launch ceremony will mark the beginning of the 'Greater Bay Area Creative Fortnight', showcasing Hong Kong's creative design capabilities and fostering creative and business exchanges within the Greater Bay Area. This milestone event will be followed by the Business of Design Week 2024 Summit opening on 4 December, along with a series of design-related activities throughout December, leading Hong Kong into a month filled with creativity and design inspiration.

Following the launch of DX design hub, Hong Kong Design Centre will present an array of inspiring programmes throughout December, harnessing the power of design to spark creativity and foster community connections. These programmes are:

1. Hong Kong Design Ecology (A Permanent Exhibition launching from 3 December 2024)
2. GBA Creative Fortnight (3 – 16 December 2024)
3. Convergence (3 December 2024 – 28 February 2025)
4. Design Pulse Asia (3 December 2024 – 30 June 2025)
5. BEing (Creative Installation) (3 December 2024 – 31 May 2025)
6. Takuma Fujisaki’s Mogols: A Hong Kong Fashion Collaboration with FIP & DIP (7 December 2024 – 6 March 2025)

For the latest updates on DX design hub events and activities, please visit www.hkdesigncentre.org or follow HKDC's social media channels.