Zhifeng XU

About Zhifeng XU

Xu Zhifeng studied architecture at the Fine Art College of Shanghai University between 2003 –2008. Since this time, Xu has moved on to explore the theoretical and social experience of architecture through a series of performance pieces and art exhibitions that intervene with urban spaces, and challenge the observers experience of the built environment. In 2013, Xu established S.H.A.W. Architecture & Design Studio in Shanghai, working range of small scaled projects from book design, furniture design, interior design, stage design, exhibition design and landscape design etc. Recently his studio focuses more on the public space and communities in Shanghai.

Winner of the A' Design Award.
Specialized in Street Furniture Design.
Original Design.
Creative, Diligent and Innovative.

Interview with Zhifeng XU

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

Architecture was my undergraduate major, but I was exposed to contemporary art earlier than architecture, because I'd chosen one course titled "20th century art history in Europe" at the 1st year, and my major courses actually start at the 2nd year.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I established my design studio in 2013, by very occasion for issue official invoices, because freelancing was and is not encouraged in China, once it set up, it also changed my mode immediately.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

City streets I live, exhibitions I went through, and all kind of medias around me.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Maybe I can better answer myself next year, I don't see a style yet, and I am not very hurry for it, let it be naturally visible.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

Shanghai is my base for 15 years, it's been constantly great during the years, you seen never not enough destructions and constructions, it has the history of international fusion. The pro is you always feel there's possibilities, and the con is this process might take actually longer than it should be.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

It very hard to create the trusts, and different designer has very different characters/styles, so match is also very important.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Good question, sense of obligation and enjoy what you are doing, or choose what you enjoy to do.

What was your most important job experience?

Working as representative and came across many manufacturers around Shanghai is very beneficial.