Breaking the Mold: Celebrating Female Asian Designers

Words by: Tanya Singh

 

Breaking boundaries and shattering stereotypes, the unique perspectives of female Asian designers have made a significant impact in the world of design.

 

 

Throughout history, women have often been overlooked and underestimated in the field of design. However, there are several female Asian designers who have made significant contributions to the world of design. From architecture to product design, these designers have broken barriers, challenged norms, and left an indelible mark on the industry.

This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the work of some prolific female designers from the region.

 

The Rolex Learning Center in Switzerland designed by Kazuyo Sejima. Photo credit: Columbia GSAPP (via Wikimedia Commons) and Giovanni Prestige (viz Flickr).

 

Kazuyo Sejima (Japan)

 

Kazuyo Sejima’s work has pushed the boundaries of design and challenged traditional notions of space and form. Born in 1956 in Ibaraki, Japan, Sejima studied architecture at Japan Women's University before starting her own architectural firm, Kazuyo Sejima and Associates, in 1987. In 2010, she became the first woman to head the Architecture Biennale in Venice and, together with her partner, won the Pritzker Prize.

Sejima's work is characterized by its innovative use of light, transparency, and geometric forms. She is known for creating spaces that are both functional and ethereal, often incorporating elements of nature and the surrounding environment into her designs. One of her most famous works is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, which features a series of interconnected circular structures and a central courtyard that floods the interior with natural light. Other notable works by her include the Rolex Learning Center in Switzerland, the Louvre-Lens Museum in France, and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City.

Sejima has also taught at a number of universities, including the Polytechnic University of Milan and Keio University in Tokyo. She has been a mentor and inspiration to countless architects and designers around the world, and her innovative and forward-thinking approach to design continues to influence and inspire new generations of designers.

 

The Tsingpu Yangzhou Retreat designed by Rosanna Hu. Photo credit: neri&hu

 

Rosanna Hu (China)

 

Rosanna Hu is a highly accomplished Chinese architect and co-founder of the architecture firm, neri&hu. Born in Taiwan in 1968, Hu graduated from Cornell University with a degree in architecture before moving to New York City to work for the renowned architect Michael Graves. She then moved to Shanghai in 2004 to establish her own firm with her partner, Lyndon Neri. Hu was named one of the top 100 architects in the world by Architectural Digest in 2018. In addition to her architectural work, Hu is also a respected educator and has taught at a number of universities, including Tongji University and Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

Hu's work is known for its blend of Eastern and Western design influences, as well as its focus on human experience and context. She has designed a wide range of buildings, including museums, hotels, and cultural centers, as well as private homes and commercial spaces. One of her most notable works is the Tsingpu Yangzhou Retreat, a luxury hotel in China that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings and features a stunning combination of traditional and modern design elements.

In addition to her architectural contributions, Hu has been a vocal advocate for the advancement of women in the field of design. She has spoken out about the challenges faced by women in architecture and has encouraged more women to pursue careers in the industry. She has also worked to promote collaboration and cross-disciplinary thinking in the field, recognizing that the most successful designs come from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

 

The Athena Collection, an ode to the contemporary woman, by Olivia Lee. Photo credit: Olivia Lee.

 

Olivia Lee (Singapore)

 

Olivia Lee is a Singaporean industrial designer who known for her bold and thoughtful designs. Born in Singapore in 1984, Lee earned a degree in industrial design from the National University of Singapore in 2007 before pursuing graduate studies in design at the Royal College of Art in London.

Lee's work is characterized by her ability to blend traditional and contemporary design elements with a focus on user experience and functionality. She has designed a wide range of products, including furniture, lighting, and home decor, as well as consumer electronics and digital products. One of her most notable designs is the multi-functional Fable Stool, which can be used as a seat, a side table, and a storage container.

In addition to her design work, Lee is a respected educator and has taught at a number of universities, including the National University of Singapore and the Royal College of Art. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the industry, receiving a number of awards and accolades, including being named one of the "20 Designers to Watch" by Wallpaper* magazine in 2015. In 2017, Dezeen hailed Olivia as one of the “Top 8 Emerging Designers” from the international SaloneSatellite fair.

Lee is a strong advocate for the importance of collaboration and cross-disciplinary thinking in design and has worked to promote these practices within the industry. She is also a vocal supporter of women in design and has encouraged more women to pursue careers in the field.

 

Light Fan Screen with Stone Vision Chaise Lounge, Stone Vision Armchair and Water Lily Coffee Table by Yuan Yuan for her furniture brand, Ruyi, 2015. Photo credit: kmldesign and Dezeen.

 

Yuan Yuan (China)

 

An extremely talented industrial designer, Yuan Yuan has made significant contributions to the design world through her innovative and sustainable designs. Born in 1973 in Shanghai, Yuan Yuan earned a degree in industrial design from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology in 1997 before pursuing graduate studies in design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Yuan Yuan's work is characterized by her focus on sustainability and her ability to seamlessly blend traditional Chinese design elements with modern aesthetics. She has designed a wide range of products, including furniture, lighting, and home decor, as well as packaging and branding materials. One of her most notable designs is the Eco-Coconut, a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

In addition to her design work, Yuan Yuan is a respected educator and has taught at a number of universities, including the China Academy of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. She has also served as a design consultant for a number of international brands, including Philips and Unilever.

Yuan Yuan's contributions to the design world extend beyond her individual work. She is a strong advocate for the importance of sustainable design and has worked to promote eco-friendly practices within the industry. She has also been a vocal supporter of women in design and has encouraged more women to pursue careers in the field.