“Design Futures · Shared Vision” International Summer Program

On June 30, 2025, the opening ceremony of the “Design Futures · Shared Vision” International Summer Program, hosted by Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, was held in Lecture Hall C528 of the Academy. Distinguished attendees included Yang Dongjiang, Vice Dean of Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University; Zhang Yi, Deputy Director of Tsinghua University International Exchange Center; Shi Danqing, Dean’s Assistant; Fu Zhiyong, Party Branch Secretary of the Department of Information Art & Design; Hao Juandi, Director of the International Office; and Phoebe Kowalska, Assistant Professor at the School of Animation and Digital Arts, Communication University of China. The ceremony was chaired by Li Jiawei, a Ph.D. candidate at the Academy.

Opening Ceremony

This year’s program, themed “Design Futures, Shared Vision,” has attracted 25 outstanding international students from 10 countries, representing 11 prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Royal College of Art (UK), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), the University of Edinburgh (UK), University of the Arts London (UK), Singapore University of Technology and Design (Singapore), Parsons School of Design (USA), the Glasgow School of Art (UK), and Kyoto Institute of Technology (Japan), among others. These students hail from Italy, Vietnam, Poland, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. Over the course of two weeks, participants will collaborate in teams to explore three key themes, Smart Aviation, Smart Innovation, and Smart Living, delving into intelligent interaction in aerospace, AI-driven artistic innovation, and futuristic smart living solutions.

In his opening address, Yang Dongjiang emphasized that the program focuses on three cutting-edge areas: smart aerospace, AI-powered creation, and intelligent living, all embodying human-centered design while leveraging technology to drive sustainable development. He expressed hope that faculty and students from 11 renowned institutions worldwide would find inspiration through cross-cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, collectively designing better solutions for the future.

Zhang Yi noted that since launching its global strategy in 2016, Tsinghua University has proactively expanded high-quality international educational resources and built a global network for research and education. He highlighted the significance of this program in advancing the university’s internationalization efforts, stating that it provides an essential platform for students to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and innovation.

During the keynote lecture, Phoebe Kowalska, Assistant Professor from Communication University of China’s School of Animation and Digital Arts, delivered an academic presentation titled “A Critical Reflection on the Hidden Implications of the ‘SMART-er’ Technology Vision,” underscoring the importance of intellectual qualities such as intellectual empathy, humility, resilience, integrity, and accountability.

In the program briefing, Fu Zhiyong elaborated on the design philosophy, schedule, mentor team, and division of responsibilities, providing clear guidance for the project’s launch.

Li Jia’an, a Ph.D. candidate at Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design, spoke as a representative of the young mentors. She shared insights into this year’s three focal areas: Smart Aviation, Smart Innovation, and Smart Living.

Jessia Britto, a student in Human-Centered Design at Singapore University of Technology and Design, spoke as an international student representative. She expressed particular interest in addressing technical language bias in machine translation and bridging Eastern-Western cultural differences to foster more humane design approaches.

Phoebe Kowalska delivering her keynote speech

Li Jia'an addressing the audience as a mentor representative

Jessia Britto sharing her perspectives as an international student representative

Following the ceremony, students and young mentors engaged in in-depth discussions. In a relaxed atmosphere, mentors shared insights on design innovation while learning about participants’ academic backgrounds and expectations.

Project discussions among small groups

This international summer program brings together outstanding students from world-leading art and design institutions, enriching its global character and establishing a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue.

Group photo from the opening ceremony