Abstract

Wuxing is a conceptual scheme historically used in Chinese culture to explain a broad range of phenomena, including cosmology, traditional medicine, and even the cyclical laws governing dynastic succession. Even though wuxing is a native Chinese ideological system, few young Chinese people today study it. This study presents an innovative pedagogic exploration at a Sino-American University that combines Chinese intangible heritage, new materials, and shoe design. In collaboration with a well-known shoe manufacturer, a group of product design students has been tasked to design a series of sneakers—one of the most favored fashion items among younger demographics—as part of their studio courses. The students used novel materials and eye-catching combinations to interpret the meanings and concepts behind wuxing. This research exposes the importance of tinkering with materials in design education and attempts to make younger generations more concerned about traditional intangible cultural heritage. It also proposes a conceptual model that combines material application with cultural interpretation in the context of shoe design. Besides, since the research was jointly coordinated by Chinese and foreign professors, it is also an outstanding case of international collaboration and cultural appreciation. The partnership between academia and the private sector demonstrated how academic institutions can adapt their teaching to support local companies. The pedagogical relevance of these courses attracts the interest of design practitioners and academics working in Asia and beyond who are exploring similar topics.