Workshop of the world

China makes a large share of the world's objects, and a design culture of its own has emerged.

The reforms from 1978 and the special economic zone in Shenzhen from 1980 made China one of the world's largest manufacturers of electronics, furniture and toys. Many Western design objects are made in China.

Since the 2000s Chinese companies and designers have created brands of their own, and studios such as Neri&Hu in Shanghai work with both architecture and furniture. The Beijing Olympics of 2008 showed the country's new self-image.