At Design Shanghai 2025, the Norwegian stand presents an exhibition that offers a unique perspective on art and architecture along the Norwegian Scenic Routes, a visionary project that showcases how Norway's dramatic landscapes have inspired a design philosophy where infrastructure harmoniously integrates with nature, and architecture elevates the experience of place. The stand also features a dedicated brand area highlighting the sustainable design mindset behind premium products from Jotun and Stokke.
To mark Norway's sixth participation in Design Shanghai and to celebrate Norwegian design and architecture in China, you are warmly invited to attend a seminar on nature-inspired architecture and design. This event seeks to foster dialogue and exchange between Norwegian and Chinese professionals, exploring how design can address environmental challenges while drawing deep inspiration from the natural world.
Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025
Time: 18:00 – 20:30
Place: Consul General's residence
Address: Apt. 2901, Block 2, No. 139 Danshui Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Rundown:
18:00 – 18:30 Guests registration
18:30 – 18:35 Opening speech given by Consul General of Norway
18:35 – 18:50 Keynote presentation: Norwegian Scenic Routes - A Design Perspective. (online)
Given by Prof. Nina Berre, School of Landscape Architecture, Norwegian University of Life Science
18:50 – 19:20 Panel talk: Nature-Inspired Design & Sustainable Architecture
Moderated by Ms. Mo Wanli, Tongji University School of Architecture and Urban Planning
Speakers:
· Prof. Nina Berre, School of Landscape Architecture, Norwegian University of Life Science (online)
· Gong Cheng, China Director, Snøhetta
· Ms. Hsiao Mae Wu, Business Director Decorative, Jotun China
· Ms. Cindy Qiu, General Manager for Greater China & SEAPAC, Stokke
19:20 – 19:30 Audience Q&A
19:30 – 20:30 Guests networking and reception
The event will be delivered in English.
Light drinks and food will be served at the event.
Please register by Thursday 29 May. Seats are limited, first come first serve.
Speakers
Xinyi Qiu
General Manager of Greater China and the Southeast Asia-Pacific region at Stokke
More Information
Nina Berre
Nina Berre is an architect with a doctorate in architectural history (NTNU 2002), a professor of architectural history and building preservation and started as Head of Department in May 2023. Previously, she has been the head of department of Architecture at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), director of Architecture at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Norway, and Director of Norsk Form, the Foundation for Architecture, Design and the built environment in Norway. She has taught and lectured at all university levels and has extensive experience in curating exhibitions and dissemination activities. Since 2018, she is the partner in Berre+Ellefsen. Curating Architecture & Urbanism, and she is currently working on Volume IV on the period 1940–1980 in the Book series Norwegian Architecture 1750 to the present day (Pax Forlag).
Cheng Gong
Cheng Gong is the Studio Director China at Snøhetta, and one of the earliest members of Snøhetta Studio Hong Kong. In 2022, he led and established Snøhetta Studio Shenzhen.
Cheng oversees Snøhetta’s projects and business development in China. His selected projects at Snøhetta include Shanghai Grand Opera House, Shanghai Nanjing Road East Extension, Beijing Library, Hangzhou Concert Hall, Jaeger-LeCoultre Shanghai Flagship Store, CRL and Mixed use commercial complex in Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City, and among others.
Cheng has worked in the US, the Netherlands, and Austria. In addition to design practice, he is also actively involved in architectural education. Cheng was guest critic at Syracuse University in 2020 and the University of Hong Kong in 2018. He has lectured at various educational institutions including Tongji University, Fudan University and Jiaotong University in Shanghai.
Cheng graduated from Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angles. He is a member of National Association of Norwegian Architects.
