Furniture made of paper materials as well as bamboo wall-coverings and speakers greet visitors to this year's Taipei International Furniture Show (台北國際家具展, TIFS), being held at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall (世界貿易中心展覽大樓).
These displays are part of local manufacturers' efforts to meet the demands of increasingly green-minded consumers. Reflecting the trend, this year the exhibition highlights eco-friendly furniture, home decorations and designs. Another highlight, Oriental aesthetics in Taiwanese designs, features conceptual and home products designed by local firms.
Besides these, there are more than 300 domestic and international manufacturers and more than 1,000 booths. Displays include lighting, office furniture, building material and furniture for children.
PHOTO: HO YI, TAIPEI TIMES
The LOHAS Green Furniture pavilion, organized by the Bella Cycla Alliance (美麗再生聯盟), catches the eye with innovative pieces made from natural, recycled and eco-friendly material and ventilating elastic cushions.
The earth-friendly designs may not delight fashion hounds, but the build-it-yourself paper furniture might. In addition to being bright, it's waterproof, wear-resistant and free of toxins.
A formaldehyde terminator goes one step further, promising to help lower the density levels of hazardous chemicals in the home. A stone mosaic table made from reused stones is appealing and at the same time meets environmental concerns.
PHOTO: HO YI, TAIPEI TIMES
"Taiwan Design: Oriental Attitude," another pavilion, has furnishings, home appliances and decorations by 26 designers and 14 design firms. The exhibits bear witness that design has become a strong player in the country's creative industry in recent years.
One particular item of interest is the LED lamp that can be folded into different shapes, alternately resembling abstract sculpture or ceramic tableware that fuses Chinese and Western aesthetics.
The last of the four seminars centered on the theme Green Design Slow Life will be held in the conference room of the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall today. Keynote speakers include Andreas Gursch, acting director of the German Trade Office, and Yao Cheng-chung (姚正仲), the chairman of the Chinese Society of Interior Design (中華民國室內設計協會). The two will exchange views on the application and market development of green building material. The show runs until tomorrow and admission is free to all.
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