Michael Young (industrial designer)

Michael Young (born 23 August 1966) is a British industrial designer and creative director based in Hong Kong. He works in the areas of product, furniture and interior design with studios in Hong Kong and Brussels.[1] He is known for unconventional use of materials and manufacturing processes,[2] and collaborations with brands such as Brionvega, Cappellini, KEF, La Manufacture, and MOKE International.[3][4][5] He is interested in "how disruption in society always has a design response, because it usually creates a need for things that perform."[6]

Michael Young
Prototype verification, Hex table by Michael Young
Born (1966-08-23) 23 August 1966 (age 58)
Sunderland, England
NationalityBritish
EducationKingston University
OccupationIndustrial designer
Websitemichael-young.com

Life and career

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Blossom Links by Nambu Tekki, Prince Consort Gallery, V&A (2024)[7]
 
MOKE recreational vehicle designed by Young (c. 2022)[8]
 
MY Sofa, Gallery ALL (2018)[9]

Young was born in Sunderland, England.[10] He studied at Kingston University and graduated in 1993.[11] Early in his career, he worked with the designer Tom Dixon in London.[12][13][14] A grant from the Crafts Council in 1994 enabled him to produce his first collection.[15] In 1997 he was selected by Sir Terrance Conran as the "Most Inspirational British Designer".[16][17]

In 1994 he started his own studio and operated in England, Iceland, Taiwan before settling in Hong Kong in 2006 to avoid becoming a "European design casualty, wandering from trade fair to trade fair."[18][19][20] Young has been the creative director for 100% Design Shanghai (2010, 2011, 2012),[21][22] prior to which he was the creative director for 100% Design Tokyo (2008), and creative director of the Asian Aerospace show (2009). He is a frequent public speaker, panellist, and design award jury member.[23][24][25]

Young has designed a wide variety of objects such as headphones, glassware, watches, bicycles, furniture, lighting, suitcases, as well as limited edition experimental furniture.[26][27] He is interested in combining design with technical abilities of the local industry and often works directly with Chinese manufacturers and industrialists.[13][28] Throughout his career, he worked with clients such as Bacardi, Cathay Pacific, Coalesse, Coca-Cola, Emeco, Giant Bicycles, Gufram, M2O, Magis [it], Georg Jensen, Trussardi, Schneider Electric, Steelcase, Swedese, and WonderGlass.[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][14]

The Hanger Tree by Katrin Olina Petursdottir and Michael Young featured on a 2010 series of Icelandic postage stamps celebrating contemporary design.[36][37]

In 2012, Young was approached by Chery subsidiary MOKE International to design a 21st-century version of the Moke (styled MOKE).[38] Young has said he considered this project a "call of duty".[39] In 2018 Young re-engineered a continuation model, which is also used as the basis for the Electric Moke.[40][41][3]

His work has been exhibited the Design Museum in London, the Pompidou Centre and the Louvre Museum in Paris,[24] and at solo exhibitions in Kyoto, Miami, Hong Kong, Milan, Paris and Belgium in 2016 for an exhibition curated by Maria Cristina Didero called Al(l) Projects with Aluminum at the Centre d'Innovation et de Design at Grand-Hornu.[42][43][44][45]

In 2024, Young's collaboration with Japanese master craftsmen Nambu Tekki was included in an exhibition at Kudan House in Tokyo called Craft x Tech Tohoku Project (also curated by Didero).[46] The work, titled Blossom Links, was described as an exploration of "heritage and contemporary technology [with a] history dating back centuries", the pieces in the exhibition seek to "[bring] Japan’s traditional crafts to a new, contemporary audience."[47] The show included works by Sabine Marcelis, Studio Swine, Ini Archibong, Yoichi Ochiai, and Hideki Yoshimoto.[48][49][50] The work was subsequently exhibited at the Victoria and Albert museum in London during the London Design Festival.[51][52][53][54] Also in 2024, Young's extruded aluminium Totem light sculptures were exhibited at Gallery ALL in Shanghai.[55][56][57]

Pieces designed by Young are held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert museum and the Design Museum in London, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the M+ museum in Hong Kong.[3][58][59]

He has spoken openly about growing up with dyslexia and how this impacted his education and career, stating "Dyslexia very much prevented me from becoming an academic. Every day in class I was left in my own imagination. I didn't really absorb any information from mathematics, English, geography, history […] I made my own universe and kind of built my own way."[60][61][62]

Awards

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Publications

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  • Al(l) Projects in Aluminium by Michael Young (Stichting Kunstboak, 2016). Borka, Max; Chen, Aric; Didero, Maria Cristina; Pok, Marie. ISBN 978-90-5856-540-2.[76]
  • 100 Best Bikes (Laurence King Publishing, 2012) ISBN 978-1-78067-396-7.[77]
  • Works in China by John Heskett (2011)[78][79][80]
  • 1000 New Designs and Where to Find Them (Laurence King Publishing, 2010) ISBN 1-85669-466-6.[81]
  • The International Design Yearbook (Laurence King Publishing, 2007) ISBN 978-1-85669-516-9.[82]
  • Design Now! (TACHEN, 2007) ISBN 978-3-8228-5267-5.[83]
  • Desire, the Shape of Things to Come (Gastalen, 2008) ISBN 978-3-89955-218-8.[84]
  • Modern Furniture, 150 Years of Design (Trandem Verlag GmbH, 2009; H.F. Ullmann. 2012) ISBN 978-3-8480-0030-2[85]
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References

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  1. ^ Ray, Debika (22 May 2015). "Michael Young: Remade in China". ICON Magazine. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  2. ^ Magazine, Wallpaper* (2 February 2016). "Metallic moments: Michael Young presents the evolution of aluminium". Wallpaper*. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Tsai, Florence. "Industrial Designer Michael Young Sets His Sights On China". Forbes. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  4. ^ Jonathan Bell (10 November 2022). "Revived cult classic all-electric Moke makes it to the States". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  5. ^ "The Wired Chair, designed by Michael Young". Core77. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  6. ^ "A Conversation with Michael Young". Steelcase. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Craft x Tech Tohoku Project, Prince Consort Gallery, V&A South Kensington". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  8. ^ Bell, Jonathan (8 October 2024). "We make off with a MOKE and experience the cult EV on the sunny backroads of Surrey". Wallpaper. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  9. ^ "MY Collection, 2018". galleryall.com. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Michael Young: Passion for Aluminium". TLmagazine. 9 February 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  11. ^ "Michael Young". www.design-burger.com. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  12. ^ "Michael Young / Designing Modern Britain – Design Museum : – Design/Designer Information". Design Museum. 26 November 2006. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  13. ^ a b Works in China by John Heskett 2011
  14. ^ a b "CHELSEA BOY – WonderGlass". wonderglass.com. 10 November 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  15. ^ "MICHAEL YOUNG | DESIGNERS | E&Y". www.eandy.com. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Designers". Nativeunion.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  17. ^ "Reed Exhibitions Unveils Stellar Panel of Design Experts for 100% Design Shanghai & IHDD 2011". Enews.100percentdesign.com.cn. 15 July 2011. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  18. ^ Craswell, Penny (1 December 2023). "Profile: Michael Young & China". Architecture Media (ArchitectureAU). Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  19. ^ "Bridging to the Future of Design" (PDF). gba.investhk.gov.hk. 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  20. ^ Blanchard, Tamsin (16 April 2000). "Young and gifted". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  21. ^ "Creative Director – 100 Percent Design Shanghai". 100percentdesign.com.cn. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Michael Young — GrantOnDesign". grantondesign.com. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  23. ^ "Dezeen launches China edition of Dezeen Awards in partnership with Bentley". Dezeen. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  24. ^ a b "The jury -Annual Contests – Award – ASIA PACIFIC DESIGNERS FEDERATION". en.iai-ap.org. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  25. ^ "Michael Young". Design Shanghai. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  26. ^ http://www.michael-young.com/ Michael Young official website
  27. ^ "Michael Young – Product Designer". Home Review. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  28. ^ "eoq – about the designer". Eoq-design.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  29. ^ "Designer". Brionvega (in Italian). Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  30. ^ "Emeco – Michael Young". www.emeco.net. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Cityspeed by Michael Young". Dezeen. 15 August 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  32. ^ "Salone del Mobile: Trussardi / Michael Young". Dazed. 13 April 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  33. ^ Neira, Juliana (8 March 2017). "clipsal iconic by michael young features customizable switches + sockets". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  34. ^ Burgos, Matthew (8 August 2023). "michael young shapes M2O water bottle with round lid and off-centered cap for easy pouring". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Michael Young". Swedese. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  36. ^ "Icelandic Contemporary Design – Furniture – Iceland 2010". Stamp Digest. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  37. ^ "Katrin Olina". Swedese. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  38. ^ "Moke car by Michael Young". Dezeen. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  39. ^ Ernst, Kurt. "Chinese automaker Chery restarts Moke production". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  40. ^ "MOKE Story". MOKE® | Living The Dream | Since 1964. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  41. ^ "from gasoline to electric: MOKE auctioned off last petrol vehicle for charity". designboom | architecture & design magazine. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  42. ^ Sammicheli, Marco (24 February 2016). "Michael Young, projects in aluminium". Abitare. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  43. ^ "Michael Young Exhibition at Grand Hornu is Al(l) About Aluminum". DesignBoom. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  44. ^ "Michael Young, designer de l'aluminium". Le Monde.fr (in French). 30 March 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  45. ^ "al(l) Projects in aluminum". www.domusweb.it. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  46. ^ Yamada, Mio (18 May 2024). "A new initiative rethinks old Tohoku crafts". The Japan Times. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  47. ^ Demetriou, Danielle (2 June 2024). "Craft x Tech elevates Japanese craftsmanship with progressive technology". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  48. ^ Akkam, Alia (20 May 2024). "Tohoku Project presents inaugural Craft x Tech exhibition". Architectural Digest. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  49. ^ "Craft x Tech Tohoku Project 2024 Exhibition to be Held at kudan house". ADF Web Magazine (in Japanese). 24 April 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  50. ^ "CRAFT X TECH – An initiative to unify traditional Japanese craft and contemporary technology". CRAFT X TECH. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  51. ^ "Craft x Tech Tohoku Project – Display at V&A South Kensington · V&A". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  52. ^ "London Design Festival — Craft x Tech". londondesignfestival.com. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  53. ^ "CRAFT x TECH. El poder transformador de la colaboración entre artesanía y diseño contemporáneo". DXI magazine (in European Spanish). 5 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  54. ^ Zeitoun, Lea (16 September 2024). "craft x tech exhibition spotlights collaborative craftsmanship at the V&A museum". Designboom. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  55. ^ "Gallery All stages art and design that harnesses 'Illumination as Prelude'". www.stirpad.com. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  56. ^ "Gallery All – Shanghai – Los Angeles". galleryall.com. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  57. ^ "Michael Young – Gallery ALL". galleryall.com. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  58. ^ "Sofa, 1994 (made), Michael Young". Victoria and Albert Museum. 1994. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  59. ^ "Michael Young | Makers | M+". M+ Museum. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  60. ^ "Michael Young — Material Matters". materialmatters.design. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  61. ^ Ayala, Adriana (8 June 2020). "The transcendental work of Michael Young". DesignWanted. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  62. ^ Khan, Zohra (4 June 2021). "UNSCRIPTED with Michael Young: Welding Wonders with Naivety". www.stirworld.com. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  63. ^ "Young | Home | Wallpaper* Magazine". Wallpaper.com. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 9 August 2012.[permanent dead link]
  64. ^ "Sport Profile Watch". Red Dot Design Award.
  65. ^ "Best of NeoCon 2014 Winners". DesignApplause. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  66. ^ "Bramah Pendant | EOQ | EOQ | D&AD Awards 2013 Pencil Winner | Industrial Product Design | D&AD". www.dandad.org. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  67. ^ "TST Sofa by Michael Young". Red Dot Design Award.
  68. ^ "Bath Tub Faucet – MY31A". Red Dot Design Award. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  69. ^ "iF Design – Master Series Michael Young Watch". ifdesign.com (in German). Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  70. ^ "iF Design – LessThanFive". ifdesign.com (in German). Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  71. ^ "Clipsal Iconic™". Good Design. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  72. ^ "Less Than Five Chair by Michael Young". Red Dot Design Award. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  73. ^ "Design Anthology Awards 2019: Announcing the Winners". Design Anthology. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  74. ^ "CIGA Design Michael Young Watch – Winner – Luxury Goods – German Design Award". www.german-design-award.com. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  75. ^ "The Good Design Awards". www.good-designawards.com. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  76. ^ Maria Cristina Didero; Marie Pok; Max Borka (2016). Al(l) : projects in aluminium by Michael Young. Oostkamp: Stichting Kunstboak. ISBN 978-90-5856-540-2. OCLC 944160332.
  77. ^ Sardar, Zahid (2012). 100 Best Bikes. London: Laurence King Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78067-396-7. OCLC 1314620554.
  78. ^ designboom, andrea chin I. (5 July 2011). "michael young: works in china". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  79. ^ Malaika Byng (29 June 2011). "Michael Young: Works in China – Part 1 Design Art". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  80. ^ "Competition: five signed copies of Michael Young: Works in China to be won". Dezeen. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  81. ^ Hudson, Jennifer (2006). 1000 new designs and where to find them : a 21st century sourcebook. London: Laurence King. ISBN 1-85669-466-6. OCLC 64747663.
  82. ^ Urquiola, Patricia; Hudson, Jennifer (2007). The international design yearbook 2007. London: Laurence King. ISBN 978-1-85669-516-9. OCLC 271087769.
  83. ^ Fiell, Charlotte (2007). Design now!. Peter Fiell. Köln: Taschen. ISBN 978-3-8228-5267-5. OCLC 214284239.
  84. ^ Desire : the shape of things to come. Berlin: Gestalten. 2008. ISBN 978-3-89955-218-8. OCLC 228358619.
  85. ^ Volker Albus; Andrea Mehlhose; Martin Wellner; et al. (2012). Modern furniture : 150 years of design = Meubles modernes : 150 ans de design = Moderne Möbel : 150 Jahre Design (Updated ed.). Potsdam: H.F. Ullmann. ISBN 978-3-8480-0030-2. OCLC 760978529.
  86. ^ "Chair-4a by Michael Young". Dezeen. 4 November 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
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