INTERCULTURAL DESIGN: PROJECT PROPOSAL
05/02/2024 - 22/03/2024
Week 01 - Week 7
Adrianna Sofea Mohd Fauzi (0350661)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Intercultural Design
CONTENTS:
Instructions
PROJECT GUIDELINE:
A proposal to concretise ideas, supported by research, for a final design revolving a given theme that reflects students’ understanding and interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics.
REQUIREMENTS:
- The general theme is “Cultural Sensitivity in Design”
- You are to study a cultural phenomenon, or a particular subculture that is perceived as ‘sensitive’, and “frame” your study within the chosen theme. -
You are to convey this cultural aspect without altering the actual facts but within a presentable interpretation and adaptation that raises awareness from the viewers.
- Produce some preliminary ideas on how to visually express your interpretation using design language. Each idea is to be supported by a short rationale. Conduct visual research to help expand your idea generation.
TO-DO:
Digital Submission (in one PDF File) in TIMeS:
A Powerpoint presentation of the proposal that contains:
• 200-word write-up defining and interpreting the theme in relation to the chosen cultural elements.
• Citation is necessary as evidence to the research.
• A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas in detailed sketches, each with individual rationale.
• Visual references (visuals that inspire/influence those ideas).
• Reference list • Picture credits
Theme: Cultural Sensitivity in Design (Japanese in Osaka)
- Minimalism: Simplistic design, minimal decoration, and clean lines.
- Natural materials: Use of natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone.
- Harmony: A sense of balance and harmony between different elements in the space.
1. What is cultural sensitivity in design?
Cultural sensitivity in design refers to the awareness, understanding, and consideration of cultural differences and nuances when creating products, services, or experiences. It involves recognizing that people from different cultural backgrounds may have diverse perspectives, values, beliefs, and preferences that influence their behaviors and interactions with design.
2. Cultural Symbolism in Porcelain Design:
Investigate the cultural symbolism embedded in traditional Japanese porcelain designs, such as motifs, patterns, and colors, and how they reflect broader cultural values and beliefs.
3. Cultural Appropriation in Porcelain Design:
Examine the ethical implications of cultural appropriation in porcelain design, particularly concerning the use of culturally significant motifs and designs without proper understanding or respect for their origins and meanings
Adrianna's Suggestion (Group Meeting Topic Discussion)
Geisha is a member of a professional class of women in Japan whose traditional occupation is to entertain men, in modern times, particularly at businessmen’s parties in restaurants or teahouses.
The Japanese word geisha literally means “art person,” and singing, dancing, and playing the samisen (a lutelike instrument) are indispensable talents for a geisha, along with the ability to make conversation.
The geisha system is thought to have emerged in the 17th century to provide a class of entertainers set apart from courtesans and prostitutes, who plied their trades respectively among the nobility and samurai.
Usually, a girl at an early age was given by her parents for a sum of money to a geisha house, which taught, trained, fed, and clothed her for a period of years. Then they emerged into the society known as karyūkai (the “flower and willow world”).
In the 1920s there were as many as 80,000 geisha in Japan, but by the late 20th century their number had reduced to only a few thousand, almost all confined to Tokyo and Kyōto.
Back then these geisha were respected and started their training from as young as the age of six.
Key Components of a Geisha
Skills Geisha Needs:
Singing
Dancing
Calligraphy
Tea ceremonies
Flower arranging
The instrument they were trained to play:
Play flute or three-stringe shamisen
Social-wise:
Good at hospitality
Social skills for conversations between clients
Hosting
History of Geisha
The first geisha were actually men. During the Edo Period, 500-600 men were working as taikomoshi, which means the male form of geisha. Their role was to accompany their feudal lords while acting as a storyteller, artist and ceremony host. Traditionally, geishas role was more common as an assistant to their oiran which is the highest-ranking courtesan and elite prostitute during the Edo period (a time in history when prostitution was legal in Japan)
By the early 1800’s the role of geisha shifted to predominantly women, and this remained constant until World War II when most women undertook the factory jobs as men had less time for leisure.
Geishas live at Okiya, the house was run by “mother”. These geishas are married to the “art” instead of men. The word geisha: gei (art) sha (person), which means artistic person or also known as geiko which is in the Kyoto dialect.
Geisha do not have any retirement age factor. Unless they decide to marry and have children. It makes them less attractive if they do so.
Maiko (Geisha in training) typically starts at the age of 14-15 yrs old
Participate shikomi training
Geiko (Official geisha)
They have to complete 6 years of training to become a geisha as they will provide training for social skills, movement (dancing) and vocal training.
Stages of Geisha
Enter Okiya training school > Shikomi stage > Minarai stage > Misedashi Ceremony > Official Geisha
What is Shikomi?
Shikomi provides training on basic tasks and chores, teaches them how to wear a kimono, and provides lessons in music and dance.
What is Minarai?
Younger geisha do their observations towards the certified geisha during parties and functions to understand how to entertain the clients.
The Turning of the Collar
To celebrate the completion of the training, maiko’s graduation will have a ceremony for the kimono collar change from white with red embroidery to a pure white collar.
What Geisha Cannot Do?
Geisha are prohibited from getting married, if they wish to do so they must quit the profession.
Appearance of Geisha
Makeup: White powdered foundation (Oshiroi powder) powder is mixed with water to form a paste.
Hairstyle: Hairstyles are crucial symbols for geisha as every hairstyle represents their rank
Kimono: Geisha use linen, silk, wool or cotton materials for their kimonos. Maiko’s kimono has a long sleeve (furisode) and Geiko’s kimono has short sleeves (tomesode)
Diet: Geisha has a strict diet to ensure they maintain their body figure and a flawless skin complexion for their makeup to look smoother.
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