"Plenary Session I: Living Design" is the theme of Business of Design Week (BODW) 2014, co-presented by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and Sweden, BODW's 2014 partner country. 

Swedish design was last showcased at BODW in 2004 and much has taken place since. Aesthetic norms and traditional ways of working are constantly being reassessed and tested. Emotional values have grown to be just as important as function. After a decade of design evolution, Sweden is proud to return to BODW this year. The theme ""Sweden – Living Design"" falls under four sub-headings:

Live it: Sustainability, Green Tech, Gastronomy, Interior (design)

Wear it: Fashion, Wearable Technology, Smart Textiles, Headphones

Work it: Health/Elderly Care, Ergonomics, Interaction, IT Service Design

Do it: Leisure, Gaming, Music, Sport

The theme is based on common values that underpin Swedish society: openness, innovation, creativity, functionality and sustainability. It embodies the longstanding Scandinavian design ideal that quality design should be available to all.To Swedes, design focuses on more than just aesthetics. During the session, a world-famous Swedish architect will elaborate on the new ideas and technology for creating environmental friendly architecture, while the designer of an iconic brand will share how Democratic Design is applied to develop cost-effective, sustainable and ultimately, practical-yet-stylish products. You will also find out how the award-winning architect from Sweden's neighbour came up with provocative designs, so join us to learn more about Northern Europe's newest ideas and novelty projects!

Speaker:

Rem Koolhaas

Founder, Office for Metropolitan Architecture, The Netherlands

Moderator:

Eric Schuldenfrei

Founding Partner, ESKYIU, HK