Vol. 17 No. 1 (2025)

Craft products are among the most intricate and unique artifacts produced by indigenous people in the Malay Peninsula. They have also become a major attraction for tourists to come and visit Malaysia. For hundreds of years, the indigenous people known as Orang Asli have extensively produced different art forms that reflect their philosophy and belief system. This study aimed to investigate in-depth the artistic expressions of craft motifs and ornaments produced by Orang Asli, specifically in Kuala Lipis Pahang, Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to determine the types of motifs in…

The ecological crisis corrupts natural cycles, damages networks of organisms, and disrupts the ecosystem equilibrium. In response to the ecological crisis, the concept of circularity proposes reformative actions. However, these actions are insufficient to reverse the crisis and achieve ecological integrity because they are non-holistic and based on human concerns and priorities. A more inclusive and integrative mindset is necessary for better-functioning circular processes. In this regard, this research presents a theoretical framework for an alternative circular design model – Toroidality –…

Flexibility and adaptability are primary needs in the design and organization of public spaces. The main objective of this study was to model a derivative grammar in designing public furniture units with a blockwork system that can adapt to the recreational potential of any urban area. The proposed design is aimed at being shaped in line with users’ requirements as the surrounding environment is continually transforming. Hence, the potential geometric arrangements of the proposed design are meant to enable different functional scenarios. The formation and differentiation parameters of the…

The rise of generative AI has significantly transformed the creative process, altering artistic workflows and redefining the human role in artmaking. While some artists resist this shift, engaging with machine intelligence has become increasingly inevitable in today’s digital landscape. This paper explores the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on artistic practices and how such disruption may benefit rather than hinder creativity. Grounded in Jean Baudrillard’s concept of the hyperreal—particularly his theory of third-order simulation—it examines how AI generates realities that…

This article traces the historical outline of the development of design in South Korea. Foreign policies promoting Korean design will be discussed as evidence of the importance of K-design exports and to introduce the collaboration between Italian and Korean designers at Salone del Mobile. In 2023, the Korean government’s direct participation in Milan Design Week marked the 11th year of the Korea Craft and Design Foundation’s (KCDF) participation in the Italian international fair. Each year, the foundation curates an exhibition showcasing Korean furniture and home décor which exemplify the…

The present study examined the design philosophy of Taiji with the objective of developing a novel graphic design approach and substantiating its viability through a practical graphic design implementation. Application of the Taiji design philosophy was examined by using the characters from the Three Kingdoms in a graphic design practice as a case study. The objective was to assess the practicality and effectiveness of this design approach. The outcome of the research and subsequent discussion indicates that the Taiji design philosophy represents a novel framework for interdisciplinary…