Design for the Sustainment of Traditional Making Practices: A Research Study in Central China

OVERVIEW

Central China is a rich multi-cultural and multi-religious region with many traditional making practices. In recent decades, however, rapid economic growth and urban development has created severe challenges for these practices. This research presents a case study based discussion, that was conducted in this region to investigate the opportunities and challenges for sustaining local traditions. In particular, for identifying areas where design could make a constructive contribution in ways that accord with contemporary understandings of design for sustainability. The research study employed qualitative forms of investigation, including desk-based theoretical research on crafts and design for sustainability and on traditional making practices within a Chinese context. Initial analysis of primary and secondary data suggests that design’s contributions might not be solely related to new product development but also in related areas such as marketing, branding and packaging design. In addition, some concerns have been identified in relation to sustainability.

Keywords:

• traditional making practices
• design for sustainability
• design and crafts
• intangible cultural heritage
• central China

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my supervisors, Professor Stuart Walker and Dr David Hands at Lancaster University. I would also like to acknowledge the China Scholarship Council for their funding support, as well as all participant interviewees for their time.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wanlin Zhang

Wanlin Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate at the ImaginationLancaster Design Research Centre, Lancaster University, UK. Her research interests include culturally significant designs and products, design for sustainability and craft-design collaborations.