Abstract
Wuxing (Five Elements) is a conceptual scheme used in Chinese culture to explain many phenomena, including the interaction between internal organs, cosmology, and traditional medicine. The elements, called phases, are fire, water, wood, metal, and soil. Even though the Wuxing scheme is rooted in Chinese culture, modern-day generations are losing this knowledge and consider it an unappealing and unscientific approach. This research is an innovative exploration that combines traditional Chinese culture, novel material combinations, and shoe design. In collaboration with a well-known local shoe manufacturer, a group of product design students has been tasked to design a series of creative concept sneakers as part of their studio courses. Novel materials and eye-catching combinations have been used to interpret the meanings and concepts behind Wuxing. A team of experts has reviewed the prototypes, and given their cultural relevance, they are now displayed at the company’s museum. This research exposes the importance of tinkering with materials in design education and attempts to make younger generations more concerned about the traditional intangible cultural heritage. Besides, given that Chinese and foreign professors led the research, 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 while preparing students to become competent designers. The course’s pedagogical relevance interests design practitioners and academics who operate in Asia – but not only – and are approaching similar topics.
Presenters
Maurizio VrennaAssistant Professor of Design, Industrial Design Program Coordinator, Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design, Industrial Design Department, Wenzhou-Kean University, Zhejiang, China Yinxuan Zhou
Lecturer, Industrial Design Department, Wenzhou Kean University, Zhejiang, China
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Wuxing, Material Experimentation, Shoe Design, Chinese Cultural Heritage, Practice-based Research
