| Visit us at polyudesign.com for latest news |
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 01.01.14 | No Comments » |
| 用藝術和設計去推動公眾教育 | Editor |
香港理工大學美術及設計教育榮譽文學士學位課程
美術設計教育是甚麼？在課室裡教授美術史、在電腦室學習製圖軟件嗎？還是在視藝室繪畫油畫、創作陶瓷？不！美術設計教育不單局限於課堂、教室裡的知識傳授，也不限於美術室內的創意培訓；美術和設計本身就可以是公眾教育的一種方式。例如宣傳設計、展覽策劃等，就是以不同的美術設計方式，傳授訊息、內容，以至知識的手法。
抱持這樣的想法，理大美術及設計教育文學士學位課程為在職設計師和藝術教育工作者提供兼讀進修的途徑。入讀課程的學生須具備美術/設計/教育相關的文憑或以上學歷，和相關工作經驗。這代表了他們在美術、教育或設計工作方面已有初步的專業認識，課程從而可更集中於研習藝術設計的理念和其社會應用。課程包括藝術設計的文化理論和教學實踐兩方面：
I) 藝術設計文化理論：
探討當代繁雜的藝術、設計文化觀，培養學生從整體文化脈絡去思考及分析藝術設計與文化教育的關係，洞悉背後的社會功能、影響和權力架構等。例如有同學就曾分析香港警隊的招聘海報，了解到海報如何以圖像方式來塑造男女警的英勇形象和角色，同時亦看到設計如何強化性別定型。(圖1)
圖1 (按圖放大)：我們每天都看到琳瑯滿目的海報，可有想過海報與社會文化的關係？像圖中的警隊招聘海報，就為我們劃分了男、女警察的特定角色和形象。(Courtesy: Tang Man Sung)
II) 藝術設計教學實踐：
把藝術教育視為一個不斷變革的教育體系，探討藝術設計在教育中的角色、社會功能和位置；並要求學生在課程中構想自己的教育實踐方案、然後以一連串的教學實驗來驗証成效。基於學生的工作背景和個人興趣，他們的「實踐方案」範疇廣泛，有在校園裡實踐課外活動的計劃，有嶄新的成人興趣班教程，亦有與非牟利組織合作的社區計劃。甚至有同學以創立社會企業作為功課，回應他們對本港教育的觀察，以至社會問題！
(圖2)圖2a,b (按圖放大)：同學們走到劏車房去了解廢棄汽車問題，發現不少汽車零件都堅硬而精美，卻只被當成爛鐵。他們就決心利用這些廢棄汽車零件來升級再造成精巧的訂製家具，畢業後更延續計劃，成立公司，既救回汽車零件，亦推廣環保，獲社會企業獎。(Courtesy: ATB Auto Art)
除此之外，課程亦不乏創作面向。藝術設計創作是以專題主導的方式啓導創作，如 Ways of Seeing一科，同學們除了學習觀察、記錄和分析本地「視覺文化」外，作品更須用個人的創意方式來表達發揮，不限媒介。(圖3)創作科目亦包括「資訊設計」課，研習如何運用簡明扼要的設計手法來傳遞訊息、做 (公眾) 教育的工作。例如年前的「青苗上河圖」展覽及出版計劃，就是資訊設計課的作業。作為有社會承擔的公眾教育工作者，需要探討和了解事情始末才去傳播知識。因此學生們首先親身做考察、訪問和研究，再透過他們熟悉的視覺手法，以圖像來呈現他們在菜園村所搜集的故事和資料，最後透過舉辦公眾展覽來探討菜園村遷拆及本土農業發展的議題。(圖4)
圖3 (按圖放大)：在課程裡，同學們重新學習「看」：通過仔細的觀察和記錄，以視覺重新發現我們身邊的文化。沒有這樣仔細的記錄和展示，大槪沒有想過，原來街邊的小小報檔竟然可以擺放多達四百款貨品，而且報紙只佔了一小部份。(Group project, graphic by Cynthia Shing)
圖4 (按圖放大)：這並不是一幅寫生；同學們須實地考察、訪問和搜集資料，再依資料仔細繪畫和以電腦拼製。三十多位同學經歷多番討論和改動，協力呈現出菜園村的風貌和生活故事，讓觀眾在看畫之餘，更能了解香港鮮活的農業生活。 (Group project)
綜合理論及創作，本課程嘗試運用藝術和設計去介入的，不單是課堂教學，更是社會議題。同學們的畢業習作，就是把各個範疇學到的東西，配合自己的工作或生活經驗，加以整合和實踐，從而編製出一個教育自己、以至影響他人的「教程」。期望畢業生們都學以致用，把自己在藝術和設計方面的所長，運用到本土的 (公眾) 教育層面上。
撰文：呂文珊 (香港理工大學設計學院美術及設計教育文學士學位課程項目統籌)
顧問：蕭競聰 (香港理工大學設計學院美術及設計教育文學士學位課程主任)
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 23.12.13 | No Comments » |
| Include Asia 2013 Conference | Editor |
KODW 2013 started off with the Include Asia Conference, a 2-day program focused on inclusive design. The biennial conference debuts in Hong Kong since its launch in 2001 in London, partnering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design), the Royal College of Art (RCA) and Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) for the first time. This year’s theme ‘Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design’ spurs participants to explore and respond to concerns such as ageing population, climate change and rapid urbanisation for individuals and communities.
Held at Hotel ICON, the program welcomed keynote speaker, Kathryn Firth, Chief of Design at London Legacy Development Corporation. Also speaking at the conference was Paul Thompson of RCA, Keiji Kawahara of International Association for Universal Design, and Dan Formosa of Smart Design, who also held workshops.
As tradition, the Include Conference committee recognises members of the inclusive design field for their contributions to the community. This year’s recipients of the Champion of Inclusive Design were Yasuyuki Hirai (Kyushu University, Japan), Joseph Kwan (UDA Consultants Ltd.), and our very own, Michael Siu Kin Wai (PolyU Design). We would also like to congratulate Susan Barnwell and Jasmien Herssens on winning the Best Paper Awards.
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 15.07.13 | No Comments » |
| PolyU Students’ Design for The Future Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong | Editor |
(From lower left: Mr Manfred Yuen (PolyU Design), Mr Sjoerd Hoekstra (PolyU Design), Mr Jonas Schuermann (Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong), Mr Byron Wong (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group), Dr Kacey Wong (PolyU Design), and Mr Horace Pan (PolyU Design).
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) joined hands with the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong in organising the “Hotel of the Future” competition in celebration of the hotel’s 50th anniversary.
A total of 39 year-two Environment and Interior Design students from PolyU participated in the seven-week programme from 25 March to 14 May this year, forming teams to design certain areas of the hotel, including “rooms and suites”, “lobby and reception”, “spa”, “food and beverage outlets” and “function rooms” with the theme of the next 50 years. Their designs incorporated the history of Hong Kong, the surrounding area and the design elements of this iconic hotel which ultimately presents “a sense of place” to the guests.
The shortlisted teams presented their designs to the management of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, the Head of Design of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and the faculty of PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) on 14 May. Lee Kwok Kwong and Mak Chu Leung were selected as the winning team. With the concept of “Spreadism”, Kwong and Leung elegantly centred on the phenomenon of Chinese ink spreading out in water and on paper. They created a multi-functional zone in the double height area of the hotel with the use of spreading-out ink stones commonly seen in Chinese paintings. The stones are used to form an exhibition area or stage for jazz performances according to the purpose of space, and to allow guests to interact with not only each other but also the space.
“I was truly impressed and delighted to see the enthusiasm of not only the students but also the professors,” said Mr Jonas Schuermann, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. “What struck me the most was how the students captured the essence of the brand and were able to visually capture what luxury means to today’s affluent travellers.”
“The PolyU Design’s visionary proposals were supported with serious analysis and imagination. The students’ ideas possess ample intelligence with a refreshing sprinkle of innocence,” added Mr Byron Wong, Head of Design of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
The winning prize is a three-night “Travelling Scholarship” to another iconic hotel in the group, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, where the team will submit a travelling report. The eight finalist projects will be put on display from 1 July to 4 August at the Clipper Lounge and an award presentation will be held at the PolyU Design Annual Show opening ceremony in August.
Education at PolyU emphasises work-based learning experience and collaboration with the industry to help students better appreciate what they have learnt in class, so as to integrate theory with practice, to enhance all-round development and to make better career plans. The teaching team at PolyU Design who led the student project included Horace Pan, Kacey Wong, Manfred Yuen, Peter Hasdell and Sjoerd Hoekstra.
Learn about the design concept of Spreadism and read more…
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 28.06.13 | No Comments » |
| Pioneering Research in Asian Consumer Products Earns Roger Ball One of PolyU’s First-ever Endowed Professorships | Editor |
With immense pride, the School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU Design) – Asia’s best among the world’s top 25 design schools – is thrilled to announce that Professor Roger Ball has been named one of only eight recipients of an endowed professorship in PolyU’s first-ever Endowed Professorship Scheme.
At a special inauguration ceremony held on 29 May at the PolyU campus, Professor Ball was singled out for his outstanding academic and research achievements and officially awarded the Eric C. Yim Professorship in Asian Ergonomics. Mr. Eric Yim, who founded the highly successful design firm POSH Office Systems and serves as its Chairman and CEO, generously underwrote the professorship.
Professor Ball has won international recognition for his trailblazing work at SD’s Asian Ergonomic Lab, founded in 2003 and soon after awarded a multimillion dollar grant for its first major project, SizeChina. An innovative 3D survey of Chinese heads and faces, SizeChina helps designers make consumer products that properly fit Asian body sizes. 90% of all consumer products are based on body shape data from Western people.
Professor Ball’s work has resulted in significant funding awards, consultancy projects with leading corporations, and most recently this prestigious endowment. Professor Ball and his team at the Asian Ergonomic Lab have boosted PolyU’s rising reputation as an influential world-class research institution.
Professor Ball’s primary research is to collect through digital scanning the full range of sizes and shapes of the Chinese population, such as their hands, feet and ears. The data from SizeChina is already poised to be used by diverse faculties within PolyU, including Health and Social Sciences, Engineering, Applied Science and Textiles, and Nursing.
Whether designing new respiratory protection products or paving the way for better-fitting eyewear, shoes and automobiles, Professor Ball has tremendously contributed to both academic and industry interests. The SizeChina Project led to the first-ever digital database of Asian head and face sizes for extensive use by manufacturers and designers.
SizeChina is training the next generation of designers with cutting-edge technologies. PolyU Design as a whole has developed practical workshops, curricula and textbooks, positioning its graduates and partners in Hong Kong and across the globe to create truly revolutionary applications in popular industries such as electronics, fashion, transportation, furniture, and medical devices, to name just a few exciting possibilities.
The School of Design joins everyone at PolyU in extending heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ball and his pioneering team at the Asian Ergonomic Lab. Their fascinating work is inspiring and meaningfully changing our everyday life for the better.
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 30.05.13 | No Comments » |
| INCLUDE ASIA 2013 – FINAL CALL FOR PAPER | Editor |
“Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design”
2-3 July 2013, Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong, China
Organised by the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Hong Kong Design Centre and the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, London, is pleased to announce that Include 2013, the seventh international conference on inclusive design, will take place on 2-3 July 2013 in Hong Kong, China.
Include Asia 2013, organised in partnership with the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, marks a major international departure for the Include series after six successful conferences in London.
Include Asia 2013 will form part of HKDC’s Knowledge of Design Week 2013 and draw in new design researchers and practitioners from south-east Asia to the Include network.
We are inviting paper proposals for Include Asia 2013 on the theme of Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design.
Researchers and practitioners are asked to consider the role of inclusive design within the context of emerging global challenges such as ageing populations, rising healthcare costs and climate change and the need for local tailored solutions for individuals and communities.
In effect we want to explore the paradigm shift from scaling up (the main driver of design over the past 50 years, through mass manufacturing, global branding and so on) to ‘scaling down’ to meet specific human needs.
We welcome paper proposals (abstracts) from researchers, designers, educators and policymakers that address the Include Asia 2013 theme. Authors of accepted paper proposals will be asked to develop their ideas into full (10 page) papers for oral presentation at the conference held in Hong Kong. Venue for the conference will be Hong Kong’s new Jockey Club Innovation Tower designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Paper proposals can contribute to inclusive design theory, provide examples of empirical research or use case studies (design stories) to illustrate how, when and why an inclusive design approach can address wider challenges and/or local needs.
Include Asia 2013 will be a forum for the exchange of ideas, academic research projects and models of best practice from the global community of those engaged in inclusive design. Accepted papers will be published online in the Include Asia 2013 proceedings.
Submission Guidelines
Please make a submission by paper proposal (abstract) for a full paper. All proposals for full papers will be reviewed anonymously by two reviewers on the Include International Review Committee.
- The template for submitting abstracts can be downloaded here
- 1000 word abstracts should be submitted now through Kinetix Events
- The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 February 2013
- Selected Authors will be informed of review decisions on 15 March 2013
- Full papers will need to be submitted by 1 May 2013
More details on the Include conferences can be found here.
For abstract and submission queries contact us here
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 05.02.13 | No Comments » |
| Advertising graduates join Hong Kong teams to compete in international awards shows | Editor |
Three teams of young creatives from advertising agencies were recently selected to represent Hong Kong in leading international awards shows (Young Creative Section) this year. Each winning team was formed by two members, among which one worked on art direction, another copywriting. All of the art directors are Advertising graduates of PolyU Design.
They are:
Wong Ming Lun, Alan, Class of 2009 (Art Director, TBWA Hong Kong)
Tse Kin Wai, Donald, Class of 2010, ‘Best of Show’ (Assistant Art Director, Publicis Hong Kong)
Shum Wing Yan, Rita, Class of 2011 (Associate Art Director, JWT Hong Kong)
The teams from TBWA, Publicis and JWT will compete in the Adfest Young Lotus in Thailand in March, Cannes Young Lions in France in June, and Young Spikes in Singapore in September respectively. They went through a strict judging process by the HK4As’ team of professional judges. The achievement has laid a tremendous stepping stone for their future career and international exposure.
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 04.02.13 | No Comments » |
| PolyU Design students earn 5 awards at Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards and Perspective Awards | Editor |
With the impressive design concepts of their final year projects, PolyU Design students from Interior and Environment, and Industrial and Product Design swept five awards from two competitions as 2012 came to the end. The list of award winners is as follow:
The 20th Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards
http://www.apida.hk/2012/
Mr Tommy Yeung Kwun Ting
BA(Hons) in Design (Environment & Interior), Class of 2012
Project: Seaweedscape
Supervising tutor: Valerie Portefaix
Award: Student Category Bronze Award
2012 Perspective Awards
http://www.perspectiveglobal.com/perspective-awards
Mr Gideon Lai Ming Ho
BA(Hons) in Design (Industrial & Product), Class of 2012
Project: High Walker
Supervising tutor: Scot Laughton
Award: TROPHY (First Prize 冠軍) of Product Design, Student Category
Ms Chloe Yau Chiu Ting
BA(Hons) in Design (Environment & Interior), Class of 2012
Project: Stilt Walker-A New Cultural Hostel Experience in Tai O
Supervising tutor: Horace Pan
Award: Certificate of Excellence of Space, Student Category
Mr Tai Ka Cheong
BA(Hons) in Design (Industrial & Product), Class of 2012
Project: Sounds Amass
Supervising tutor: Benny Leong
Award: Certificate of Excellence of Product Design, Student Category
Mr SO Ho Lung, Bosco & Mr CHO Hing, Nathan
BA(Hons) in Design (Environment & Interior), Class of 2012
Project: Greenshaft (note: This is not a final-year project but an assignment on Redemptive Landscape Architecture.)
Award: Certificate of Excellence of Architecture, Student Category
Click here to read project details>>
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 28.01.13 | No Comments » |
| PolyU students win Best Design Team at Tsinghua University Art & Design Month | Editor |
With their innovative concept for designing a smart kitchen, four students of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design (PolyU Design) have recently won the Best Design Team Award at the Collaborative Innovation Design Workshop held during the fourth International Art & Design Academic Month organized by Tsinghua University.
The PolyU Design team competed against six other teams, which came from Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University, School of Design of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology of Taiwan, Department of Industrial Product Design of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, and other three universities in China.
The workshop brief was to design an integrated concept for family kitchen which caters for Chinese lifestyle. The PolyU Design team designed “A Smart Kitchen On-demand”, which is set up to cater for the needs of modern Chinese cooking and dining behaviors. It is designed to enhance the value of the kitchen in a family, providing a platform to communicate, share and show caring. The design provides a solution making kitchen no longer a fixed space at home but part of the living room.
The PolyU Design team, consisted of four year three students of Industrial & Product Design, won the award for their outstanding performance of teamwork and design concept. “We are very excited and surprised to win the award from this large-scale design workshop, where other teams were highly professional and some of them were formed by master’s students,” Jack Chun Yueng -chiu, one of the members of the PolyU Design team said. The team was led by Mr Fred Han, Assistant Professor of PolyU Design, other team members included Yan Hei Ho, Tung Ting Kan and Bao Bo.
“We noticed that most people do not enjoy cooking at all,” Jack Chun explained. “We hope to design an environmentally friendly kitchen system, which could turn cooking into a joyful experience and at the same time, act as health consultant and cooking process assistant.”
The workshop and the fourth International Art & Design Academic Month was held from 10 to 14 December 2012 in Guangzhou, China.
| CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE>> | 18.01.13 | No Comments » |
