Less, but better. Dieter Rams’ exhibition in China

Hehn-Chu Ahn, Cassandra Peters

In partnership with the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF), our touring exhibition Less, but better: Dieter Rams’ first exhibition in China is travelling to one of the most important production sites for world trade and therefore to one of the centres where sensible design is given a high priority — the Middle Kingdom.

In view of the immense quantities of goods that leave China, reaching every corner of the earth and influencing the daily lives of billions of people, China’s efficiency increases exponentially when good industrial design is practiced. Against this background, it is important to us that our exhibition highlighting Dieter Rams’ stance on good design is made accessible to a wide audience, particularly in universities, but also in the important design museums in China.

Central Academy of Fine Arts

The first exhibition stop for this tour was the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) and the signal it gave was unmistakable. The opening of the exhibition was followed by a panel discussion called ‘Dieter Rams’ design philosophy, exhibition and industrial design education’, the line-up of which was quite a statement in itself. Of note was Prof. Liu Guanzhong, one of the most important industrial designers to have pioneered this discipline in China. Further participating experts included Prof. Zhao Chao from Tsinghua University, Prof. Gao Yang from CAFA, and Prof. Lei Haibo, the vice president of the China Industrial Design Association. One interesting aspect is that the CVs of several of the Chinese participants in the discussion feature education in Germany, including those of the highly respected Prof. Liu, Prof. Gao and Wang Zijian, the young representative for China at the rams foundation. So it was that the influence of German industrial design was again clearly evident in the dialogue from this small select circle.

We are delighted that our touring exhibition was on show from 14 September to 8 October 2025 at this small (by Chinese standards) but very fine university in the heart of Beijing, in close proximity to the students. We hope that this professional exchange will be strengthened in the subsequent exhibition stops in China.

Exhibition Opening 2025 'Dieter Rams: Less, but better' was opened at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing.
Photo: Zhao Yi © rams foundation

Beijing Institute of Technology

On 2 November 2025, the exhibition was officially opened at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). Here the aim was also to pass on the teachings of Dieter Rams and his team to young designers — and those who aspire to become designers.

A special feature of the travelling exhibition in China are the additions of previously unpublished sketches on the subject of watches and a selection of photographic works by Ingeborg Rams. These highlights can also be seen at BIT, one of China’s most renowned technical universities, which has its own department for design and art. It is an ideal place to make Dieter Rams‘ ideas accessible to a young, creative audience.

In the field of technological innovation, it is clear how relevant Rams‘ approach remains today: well-thought-out, responsible design remains the basis for sustainable progress. The great interest shown by visitors demonstrates that Dieter Rams‘ attitude and values continue to be of global significance.

Professors and students at the Opening of another stop of the traveling Exhibition, at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) in November 2025.
Photo: Liu Yixin © rams foundation

Fosun Foundation

The kinetic architecture for the Fosun Foundation stands in the heart of the financialdistrict on Shanghai’s world-famous waterfront promenade, The Bund. With ‘Less, but better’, the Fosun Art Center opened its 2026 exhibition year in a forward-looking manner on 21 January. We are delighted that our travelling exhibition is on display in one of China’s most important cities and, above all, that it is being presented to an urban, cosmopolitan and design-oriented audience. After all, it is in these hot spots that we want to reach those responsible for good design.

The vernissage was followed by a public discussion on the exciting topic of ‘Current and future design developments in China’. The guests included Prof. Xue Hai’an from the Design Faculty and Prof. Yang Wenqing from the School of Design and Creativity, both from Tongji University, the managing director of the local Chinese OPPO Industrial Design Centre, Liu Haoran, and Dr Ahn Hehn-Chu from the rams foundation. The current trends in the Chinese design landscape and the design possibilities for this important manufacturing country and its distinctive economic system were explored.

The exhibition can be seen in Shanghai until 11 February 2026, before moving on to our next stop: Hong Kong.

Staff of the Shanghai Fosun Foundation on front of a poster for the Exhibition in January 2026, in the heart of the city.
Photo: Fosun Art Foundation © rams foundation

More contributions

Braun Design in Asia

When considering Braun’s relationship with Asia, it immediately becomes clear that the German company has oriented itself internationally from the very outset. This is true both in terms of its products and sales markets. The Volksempfänger radio, with its short range, was followed in 1933 by the Fernempfangs-Vorsatz for European reception.

Interview Naoto Fukasawa

Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa has a long-standing relationship with Dieter Rams and his work. Here he talks about subtle details and shades of grey – as well as his special, personal connection to Dieter Rams.

Tokyo Manifesto

On the occasion of the Less and More exhibition in Tokyo, Dieter Rams made an appeal to young designers that reflects his approach to design.

/magazin/texte/wanderausstellung/

Photo: Zhao Yi © BCAF

Travelling Exhibition