WOII Compulsory: Week 5 & 6 - Design Analysis and Field Trip
Week 5 (170 words)
In today’s session, we focused on the significance of materiality and craftsmanship in design. I brought three personal items: my stainless steel necklace, my fan, and my water bottle. The necklace, worn daily for over three years, has become a part of my identity, representing durability and resilience. Similarly, my fan, customized with a Hachiware sticker, is highly functional, providing strong airflow, while my water bottle, adorned with a lucky charm from Osaka, reflects my personal belief system. These objects highlight the importance of materials and craftsmanship, elevating the functionality of each item. Applying the “How Design Means” framework, I observed that these objects communicate more than just their utilitarian purpose, they reflect aspects of my identity, echoing class discussions on how design can be both practical and emotionally significant (Chandler 87). This reinforces how objects in our daily lives can transcend utility, serving as personal symbols of memory and connection.
Week 6 (160 words)
During the Kampong Gelam field trip, I documented various works of design that embody the theme of cultural transformation through materiality and identity. I observed three works that blend tradition with modernity: traditional painted bowls and plates, a mural depicting old Kampong Gelam, and graffiti tags on a nearby wall. Despite their contrasting styles, these works form an interesting grouping under the theme of “Memory and Transformation.” The painted bowls and plates, with their intricate designs, are steeped in cultural tradition, representing continuity and heritage. The mural, showcasing a nostalgic image of Kampong Gelam, reflects the transformation of the district, acting as a collective memory. In contrast, the graffiti tags, often rebellious and transient, symbolize change, voicing the new generation’s sentiments. This juxtaposition of past and present highlights the evolving identity of Kampong Gelam, illustrating how design encapsulates memory, protest, and transformation (Berger 102; Barthes 65). These objects serve as powerful symbols of the district’s social and historical context.
Total Word Count: 330 Words
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Barthes, Roland. Image Music Text. Fontana Press, 1977.
Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Penguin Books, 1972.
Chandler, Daniel. Semiotics: The Basics. Routledge, 2002.
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The Children of Dijon, 1986
