Icograda (the International Council of Graphic Design Associations), the world body for professional communication design, held its biennial World Design Congress 2009 and General Assembly 23 in Beijing, China from 24-30 October. Hosted by the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) and the First Beijing Design Week, this first ever large-scale design event in China was an opportunity to promote design industry and served as a public forum to exchange ideas on advancing design education in China. The World Design Congress examined contemporary viewpoints and presented challenges in the visual communication field. The General Assembly, led by the Icograda Executive Board, officially put into effect a model for best practices in sustainable development, and was attended by delegates representing member organizations from over 40 countries and regions.
The main focus of the Congress was the international conference. Under the theme Xin, (an ancient means of communication), the speakers discussed four topics in lateral sessions: Access, Balance, Communicate, and Define. A distinguishing feature of the Congress was the series of Pre-Conference Workshops, which were held in cities around China. The workshops were led by international designers and design educators, and the student work created at the workshops were collected, exhibited and printed during the Congress in Beijing.
As part of the Icograda Congress, the School of Arts, Soochow University hosted and exhibition of my recent works.
