Intercultural Design | Temple Research
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lecture
This lecture explored the deep connection between culture and design, emphasizing that design cannot be separated from cultural and social influences.
We live in a visual information era, where images and symbols play a crucial role in daily communication, yet we rarely consider how they are designed and their cultural significance.
One of the key concepts discussed was the Design System Framework, which explains how designs are shaped by basic assumptions, norms & values, artifacts, and products.
Through this system, we can understand how culture influences various design elements, from traditional art to modern consumer products.
The lecture also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in design, emphasizing how symbols, colors, and typography can have different meanings across cultures.
For instance, colors carry varied interpretations red symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture, while in some Western cultures, it signifies danger or warning.
How This Connects to Our Research:
This lecture provided deeper insight into how cultural values influence Chinese and Thai temple designs.
By applying the Design System Framework, we were able to analyze the symbolism, aesthetics, and functional aspects of religious architecture.
For example, we learned that dragons in Chinese temples represent protection and power, while golden Naga statues in Thai temples symbolize spirituality and wisdom. This analysis helped us understand how cultural symbols are embedded within architectural and design choices.
The Research Presentation
Watch our presentation below:
The Field Study
Our field study involved visiting multiple temples, analyzing architectural elements, and interviewing monks to understand the cultural significance of the designs.
Final Project
TikTok Account Page
For our final documentation, we created TikTok videos highlighting key temple design elements.
For our E-Book
Conclusion
• Week 03 (Teams): Your project contains valuable information, but the core concept is still unclear. I’d like to know how you plan to utilize this information and what kind of content you could create for Everyday Design to share on TikTok. I suggest reviewing the material again using the Design System Framework to clarify the connection between the artifact, its purpose, and its value within the Everyday Design context.
• Week 03 (Tutorial): Some slides contain long paragraphs without highlighting key points, making them difficult for the audience to read and understand. Additionally, some images do not align well with their descriptions, and the slide order needs adjustment to better emphasize the comparison of the three temple elements.
• Week 06 (Teams): For the data collection slide, it’s essential to add a summary slide highlighting the key findings. Regarding the booklet redesign, transitioning to an e-book would make it more accessible. The content should also include a reference to the roof design mentioned in slide 5, provide a more detailed analysis of Kuan Inn Teng Temple, summarize the comparison of the three temples, and incorporate the interview findings. It’s crucial to organize team roles effectively and maintain clear communication to ensure consistency in the design. Additionally, an extra video about the booklet should be created to enhance the presentation.
Reflection
The Intercultural Design course opened up a new perspective on how design interacts with traditions and different cultures. I realized that design isn’t just confined to classrooms or museums it’s embedded in our daily lives, where even the smallest details can carry a rich design concept.
At first, I struggled a bit to determine the direction of our project. I initially suggested exploring Chinese hats, their evolution over time, and how they could be reimagined for modern everyday wear. Since hats are one of the most widely used accessories across various cultures and professions, I saw great potential in this topic. However, my group members chose to focus on temples instead, so I adapted to the idea and tried to make the most of it.
I didn’t participate in the field study with my group, as they had pre-determined who would go, and I was assigned the task of handling all audio recordings about temples, which I agreed to. Still, I wanted to experience the subject firsthand, so I later visited one of the most famous temples on my own. Since it was my first time ever visiting a temple, I took the opportunity to observe its details up close, capturing photos and exploring elements that sparked my curiosity. This made the experience more engaging and personal for me.
On a personal level, I faced challenges with communication and teamwork, mainly due to a generational gap between me and my group members. Additionally, learning digital design tools for the first time was another hurdle, as I had previously relied entirely on pen and paper in my studies. To overcome this, I frequently asked questions to understand the details and the technical terms my group used. Over time, this helped me adapt to a more modern and collaborative way of working.
Through this course, I gained a deeper appreciation for observation and critical thinking in design. I also learned how to analyze traditional designs and connect them to contemporary practices. Most importantly, it broadened my perspective on different cultures and religions, allowing me to see the world as a constant source of inspiration and creativity.
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