Photo Courtesy: Vladimir Berger
Exhibition Dates: August 30 – September 5, 2025
Location: The Blanc Gallery, 15 E 40th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
Theme: (AI)ndustrial Revolution, Exploring the Intersection of AI, Creativity, and Industry
Global designers, live performances, and immersive technology highlight this year’s celebration of creativity and innovation.
A’ Design Award x Utopia. Hosts the 2025 40×40 International Design Exhibition in New York City Celebrating global design excellence with live performances, prize draws, and a forward-looking panel on AI’s role in creativity
New York, NY — August 30, 2025 — The Utopia Collaboration Inc., in collaboration with A’ Design Award, proudly presented the 40×40 International Exhibition in New York City, celebrating innovation and creativity from leading designers across the globe. The event, hosted by Brando Vassallo and curated by Lihsing Wang, gathered an international audience to honor projects shaping the future of design, technology, and culture.
The exhibition featured a dynamic program combining designer presentations, live music performances, and community networking. Opening remarks by host Brando Vassallo set the tone for an afternoon of discovery and inspiration, highlighting the importance of creativity as a force for global progress.
Highlights of the Program:
- Performances: Live sets by the Jiani Zhou Trio (vocalist Jiani Zhou, guitarist Johnny Knollwood, and saxophonist Colin Bharat) brought jazz energy to the stage, blending Eastern and Western influences.
- Designer Showcases: Each award-winning designer introduced their project—ranging from UX/UI and experimental web platforms to architecture, product design, and generative art—demonstrating the diversity of disciplines represented in this year’s selection.
- Prize Draws & Sponsors: Guests enjoyed prize giveaways from innovative lifestyle brands including House of Balance, HADDEN, and ESSOC, reinforcing the event’s commitment to merging design with everyday experiences.
- Networking & Community: Beyond formal presentations, the exhibition created space for meaningful connections between designers, sponsors, and industry leaders.
“Today we witnessed the future of design unfold across disciplines—from architecture and technology to fashion and social innovation,” said curator Lihsing Wang, founder of Utopia. “This exhibition is not just about celebrating achievements, but about creating a platform where creativity, culture, and technology converge.”
Photo Courtesy: Utopia. Team
Notable Participants
Echo bench – Olga Petrova | Furniture, More By Us – Maria Burgelova (Website & Web Design), Journeylink Multi Vehicle Car Infotainment – Yan (Jennifer) Zeng, Ruifeng (Rose) Wang, Yuyin Sun| (UX/UI Design), Hive AI – Xuefei (Faye) Wang, Hanyong (Kyrie) Yang, Huiyang (Shrry) Chen, Keqing (Clara) Jiao, Yongwen Dai (UX/UI Design), Virtu AI – Generative Design Platform for Press-On Nails – Xi Zhou, Yue (Zelda) Hu, Heidi He ( Experimental Website Design), Paperwise – Qianzhuo (Elaine) Zeng (UX/UI Design), Heartie – Keqing (Clara) Jiao, Huiyang (Sherry) Chen, Xuefei (Faye) Wang, Qing (Kiyo) Yang, Jingyi (Janet) Liu (UX/UI Design), Xogo Platform – Qiqing Zhang, Yifan Qin, Yasong Wang (UX/UI Design), Yunhai Shimen – Minquan Wang, Zeyu Cai, Sibei Li (Architecture), Spira Silva – Yuchen Qiu, Hao Zhong ( Architecture & Structure), Urban Symbiosis – Xiyao Wang ( Architecture & Structure), City on the Loop – Ruxuan Zheng | (Architecture & Structure), Osso Chair – Wongsun Yoo (Furniture), River & Stones – Hsin Tzu Chang | Furniture, Compliment Machine – Ziggy Yang (Interactive Installation), As I Remember Them – Bowen Shen (Generative Art), Foodres AI Printer – Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao ( Social Design), JONDE – Moeko Kakizoe ( Fashion & Travel Accessories), FAN-SEE SHANHAI – Yuyang Peng ( Fashion Accessories), Hotaru – Yuma Murakami Team (Audio & Sound Equipment), Nest Lamp – Tzuhsiang Lin (Lighting Design), Meta Zen – Yumeng Li, Zongheng Sun (Toys, Games & Hobby Products), Toyota Kinto 98% – Zihang Zheng “Matt” (Product Design), Smile Stringz – Brando Vassallo (Fashion Design), ARTS DECONSTRUCTIVE UTOPIA – Yang Du “Daria”, Share the farm – Yuan Tian, HiveMatch – Xi Pang, Mingjie Chen (UX/UI Design), Tiktok shop global createor agency platform – Qi Shen (Website & APP Design)
Vivian Zhuang (Senior Product Manager, TikTok) played a key jury role in integrating technology and interactivity into the exhibition, bridging design with AI-driven platforms and enhancing the immersive experience.
Bridging Design and Technology: Panel Talk (AI)ndustrial Revolution
Following the exhibition, the A’ Design Award & Utopia. Panel Talk, themed (AI)ndustrial Revolution, explored the intersection of AI, creativity, and industry. Hosted by Brando Vassallo and Qi Shen, Senior Product Manager at TikTok Shop E-commerce, the panel featured thought leaders including:
- Claudia Pecchio | Founder of A-01 ( Architecture & Sustainability)
- Martin Schott | International Head of Creative at PHILLIPS
- Viljon Caka | Founder of Pensotino (Finance & Art Patronage)
- Josiah Forgath | Founder of Methods (Global Notion Ambassador) (Productivity & Digital Strategy)
- Qi Shen | Senior Product Manager, TikTok Shop E-commerce ( Technology & E-Commerce)
Photo Courtesy: Utopia. Team
Panelists shared insights on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping design, commerce, sustainability, and creative collaboration. Discussions focused on challenges, opportunities, human and social impacts, and the future of cross-disciplinary innovation. The session included a Q&A moderated by Qi Shen and concluded with networking drinks, fostering connections between designers, technologists, and industry leaders.
About Utopia.
Utopia Collaboration Inc. is an international art and design community founded in New York City. Through exhibitions, panels, and cross-disciplinary events, Utopia. connects global innovators and inspires audiences to imagine and build a better future.
About A’ Design Award:
The A’ Design Award & Competition is one of the most prestigious design accolades globally, dedicated to celebrating excellence across various design disciplines.
About The Blanc:
The Blanc Gallery is a creative hub committed to supporting diverse artistic practices and emerging talent. Through exhibitions, performances, and interdisciplinary programs, we empower artists to grow, experiment, and engage with New York’s dynamic cultural scene
Media Details.
Company Name: Utopia Collaboration Inc.
Contact Name: Utopia. Team
Country: USA
Website: https://www.utopiaevent.org