Mingyu is a furniture and product designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, majoring in furniture design. He founded MINGYU XU STUDIO in London where he focuses on bamboo, upcycling and traditional culture, and is committed to integrating traditional craftsmanship and culture into modern design, bringing a bold, light and unique contemporary expression. Providing more possibilities for modern interior spaces.
Mingyu started researching and applying bamboo in 2016. His works have won many domestic and international awards and have been exhibited at Beijing Design Week, Shanghai International Furniture Fair, London Design Week, Milan International Furniture Fair, Paris Design Week, etc. In 2023, Mingyu was named one of the top 25 rising star designers by London interior magazine House & Garden.
MINGYU XU STUDIO, is based in London and Shanghai, and is focused on furniture and lighting design. It aims to incorporate cultural heritage and traditional techniques into contemporary design. It brings bamboo weaving into modern interior spaces by rethinking bamboo objects, offering unique furniture, which is sustainable and bespoke, adding luxury and value.
INTERVIEW WITH MINGYU
Tell us about the inspiration behind your project.
The initial inspiration came from traditional Chinese bamboo woven items, such as tea boxes, bamboo ladies, bamboo baskets, etc. These traditional living utensils with the wisdom of ancient people have gradually been marginalized by modern spaces and lifestyles. So our goal is to refresh tradition and bring them back to the interior space. Create contemporary visual aesthetics from existing, traditional things. Draw our cultural heritage from the past and bring it into the future.
During the design process, the stacked visual language inspired me. It reminds me of the Art Deco in Paris, France in 1925. Geometric elements are incorporated into both woven design patterns and Art Deco designs. I tried to find a place where I could feel the fusion of the East and the West. This space that connects the past and the future that has not yet happened is exciting.
How did you come to work with your chosen natural material? What do you find makes natural materials so good to use?
Bamboo is a low-carbon, sustainable biomaterial. It regenerates quickly and is able to absorb large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. The strength and elastic properties of bamboo make it a sustainable alternative to metal, plastic or wood.
The collection aims to use bamboo and bamboo weaving in new and unusual ways through the properties of this material. Refreshing traditional bamboo weaving, bringing green and sustainable bamboo furniture into modern interior spaces.
Please tell us how you think being a winner of this competition will impact your career as a designer.
Only Natural provides a great opportunity and platform for young designers, especially those who have just graduated or are just starting their own business. Secondly, Only Natural makes me more determined to use natural materials because it has been recognized by the judges and the media.
What are your thoughts on natural materials & sustainability, and how do you think natural materials can adapt to a design industry increasingly focused on sustainability?
My collection carries a strong cultural narrative, reflecting the creativity of contemporary art, pushing materials and craftsmanship in new directions. Using material sustainability and craft sustainability to promote cultural sustainability.
Follow Mingyu on his socials:
Instagram: @minyu_xu_
Website：https://www.mingyuxudesign.com/
