A wealth of ideas as The Space exhibits a British designer's thinking on China

When it rains, as they say, it pours; and we aren't just talking about the recent weather in Hong Kong. Locally-based British designer Michael Young's recent streak of productivity is dizzying - with the launch of a solo show, his first design book works in China and, last but not least, becoming a father.

At the exhibition and book party at The Space on Wednesday, the designer and his co-author John Heskett chatted about partnerships in China and changing the popular perception of industrial design.

'I think of my move here as an education; over the course of my trips to factories and meeting people I've built up great creative collaborations. I would have missed out on that if I'd stayed in London.'

Heskett, who has taken up the post of acting dean at Polytechnic's School of Design, said: 'Industrial design here is moving way from mass production and toward flexible systems; Michael has the cultural sensitivity and faith in relationships that has allowed him to thrive. What you see in works in China is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of reflecting industry changes.'

Design talk aside, Young couldn't resist showing off photos of his newborn son, who couldn't make the opening all the way from Australia, where he is visiting family with mum.