Taiwan Tech's Department of Design reached a significant milestone at Milan Design Week 2026, showcasing innovative achievements that integrate Taiwanese culture, sustainable design, and international academic collaboration on one of the world's most prestigious design stages. The participation not only demonstrated the strength of Taiwan Tech's design education and research but also highlighted the diversity and creativity of Taiwanese design through cross-cultural exchange and international partnerships.

During Milan Design Week, Taiwan Tech's Department of Design and Department of Architecture further strengthened their collaborative network with leading European design institutions. Professor Marzia Mortati of Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi) (front row, second from left), Professor Ting-Yi Lin of Taiwan Tech's Department of Design (front row, first from left), PoliMi doctoral researchers JiaXin Liu (front row, first from right) and Anna Filippi (front row, second from right), Professor Shin-Jyun Tsaih of the Department of Architecture (back row, first from right), and Lecturer Yu-Chieh Lin (back row, second from right) took for a group photograph before the workshop.

Guided by the educational philosophy of “The City as a Classroom”, a delegation of 18 faculty members and students from Taiwan Tech's Department of Design extended their learning beyond the campus into the global design arena. By connecting Taiwan's cultural heritage with world-leading academic networks, students engaged directly with the international design industry, academic research, and social practice, cultivating cross-cultural perspectives and global competitiveness.

PoliMi doctoral researcher JiaXin Liu led Taiwan Tech students in exploring cutting-edge approaches to public service design, sustainable policymaking, and urban green transformation. He also shared research findings and methodologies developed through the EU-funded CoDesign4Transitions research network.

Professor Ting-Yi Lin , Chair of Taiwan Tech's Department of Design, stated that the Department was invited to participate in the CASA Taiwan initiative, becoming the first Taiwanese higher education institution invited to showcase Taiwan's cultural identity on the international stage through design. Through the language of design, the exhibition highlighted the richness and depth of Taiwanese culture. CASA Taiwan was jointly curated by the Associazione Commerciale Taiwanese in Italia (ACTI), Professor Elisabetta Bianchessi of Milan's T12 Lab, and designer Yi-Ming Wang, bringing together Taiwan's strengths in culture, technology, and innovative design.

PoliMi doctoral researcher Anna Filippi introduced the key concepts and practical approaches of “Designing for Systemic Change”, sharing insights from ongoing frontier research projects supported by the European Union.

A featured exhibit, Glowrise, was co-created by Taiwan Tech master's students and designers Kai-Hsiang Yang and Hsiang-Ting Huang. Inspired by the spiritual traditions of the Puyuma Indigenous people of Taiwan, the work transforms the imagery of ceremonial flames into a contemporary lighting installation, creating a dialogue between cultural memory and modern design. The installation attracted considerable attention from international visitors and demonstrated an innovative interpretation of Taiwanese culture within a contemporary design context.

Glowrise, created collaboratively by Taiwan Tech master's students and designers Kai-Hsiang Yang and Hsiang-Ting Huang.

Kai-Hsiang Yang said, “It was an invaluable learning experience to bring Glowrise, the Gold Award-winning work from the Taitung Craft Camp, to Milan on behalf of Taiwan Tech's Department of Design. It was an opportunity not only to introduce Taiwanese design to the international community but also to learn how to connect campus creativity with the global market. The experience has filled me with fresh inspiration and creative energy for my future design journey”.

Hsiang-Ting Huang remarked, “It was a tremendous honour to exhibit our work at Milan Design Week. More than simply displaying our project, the experience became a journey of rediscovering the meaning of design. It strengthened my determination to pursue a career in design, while the diverse cultures and outstanding works I encountered provided me with abundant inspiration for future creative work”.

The Department of Design also expanded its collaboration with major European design institutions. One of the highlights was the international workshop “Co-Designing in the Time of Climate Urgencies”, jointly led by Professor Marzia Mortati of Politecnico di Milano and Professor Ting-Yi Lin. Conducted in partnership with the EU-supported CoDesign4Transitions research network, the workshop was facilitated by PoliMi doctoral researchers JiaXin Liu and Anna Filippi, who guided Taiwan Tech students in exploring cutting-edge approaches to public service innovation, sustainable policymaking, and urban green transformation.

Notably, these international achievements were made possible through support from Taiwan Tech's Office of International Affairs under its Short-Term Overseas Study Scholarship Programme. Through comprehensive resource integration and financial assistance, the programme enabled students to participate in international design environments and engage in diverse, in-depth learning experiences.

A delegation of 18 faculty members and students from Taiwan Tech's Department of Design was invited to visit the world-renowned Domus Academy for academic exchange.

In addition, the Department of Design delegation was invited to Domus Academy to participate in specialist lectures and design exchanges, further strengthening the connection between Taiwan's emerging design talent and one of Europe's leading design institutions. The delegation also visited internationally renowned furniture brands Moroso and COR, where company tours and professional exchanges provided valuable insights into design philosophy, material applications, human-centred design, lifestyle research, and global brand development strategies. These visits offered students comprehensive first-hand exposure to professional design practice and industry perspectives.

Looking ahead, Taiwan Tech's Department of Design will continue to cultivate future designers with a global outlook. Professor Ting-Yi Lin emphasised that design is far more than aesthetics - it is a vital catalyst for cultural preservation and global ecological transformation.