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Student Notable

Toys & Play Award

Core77 Design Awards 2024

Bu

Bu draws inspiration from Chinese folk art, specifically traditional cloth toys. It serves as both a creative plaything and an educational tool for exploring Chinese folk art. Utilizing magnetic attraction, users can assemble different modules into diverse forms. The surface of these modules is crafted with Velcro, allowing users to cut and attach fabric, creating their own unique folk artworks.
As a cultural heritage, Chinese folk cloth art is gradually fading away. The main challenge arises from the increasing diversity in entertainment options, causing traditional cloth toys to lose their allure. This results in fewer purchases and a decline in the number of artisans practicing this craft. Contemplating how to rekindle interest, I envisioned redesigning the traditional folk fabric toy, giving rise to Bu. The objective is to infuse renewed fascination, encouraging people to rediscover their love for Chinese folk cloth art and pass it on to future generations.
This redesigned product, Bu, distinguished by its magnetic modules and Velcro surface, not only captivates users' imagination but also serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Bu is more than just a toy; it represents a cultural revival. By making Chinese folk cloth art more appealing and accessible, Bu aspires to revive interest, prompting people to fall in love with this cultural gem once again and pass it on to future generations.

Chinese folk cloth art, as a precious cultural heritage, is facing the threat of disappearance in the modern era. The root cause of this issue lies in the diminishing appeal of traditional folk cloth toys, leading to a decline in both consumer interest and artisanal production. In response to this challenge, I embarked on a journey to revitalize Chinese folk cloth art by introducing an innovative redesign called "Bu." This reimagined folk fabric toy not only rekindles interest but also serves as a versatile platform for creative expression and cultural learning.

Bu stands as a bridge between tradition and modernity, infusing new life into Chinese folk cloth art. At its core, Bu is more than just a toy; it is a conduit for individual creativity and a valuable educational tool for exploring the rich tapestry of Chinese folk art. The design incorporates magnetic modules that can be combined in various configurations, allowing users to experiment with different shapes and forms. The surface of these modules is equipped with Velcro, providing a canvas for personalization through the addition and arrangement of fabric, thus creating unique folk art pieces.

When utilized as a plaything for children, Bu becomes a catalyst for stimulating creativity and fostering an early appreciation for traditional art forms. The magnetic and Velcro features offer a dynamic and interactive experience, encouraging children to engage in imaginative play while exploring the vibrant world of Chinese folk art. By integrating learning with hands-on activities, Bu not only entertains but also educates, ensuring the transmission of cultural knowledge to younger generations.

Moreover, Bu serves as a powerful teaching tool for folk art creators. Through the use of Bu and various self-media platforms, artisans can share production tutorials, showcasing their expertise and preserving traditional skills. This not only adds a supplementary income stream for artisans but also contributes to the safeguarding of endangered craft techniques. By leveraging technology and modern communication channels, Bu facilitates the dissemination of knowledge and ensures that the art of Chinese folk cloth creation thrives in the digital age.

Beyond its educational aspect, Bu emerges as a dynamic creative tool that transcends cultural boundaries. Artists from diverse backgrounds can integrate their individual styles and perspectives, resulting in the creation of distinctive works of art. This collaborative approach breathes new life into traditional folk art, fostering a fusion of heritage and contemporary expression. Bu becomes a canvas for cultural dialogue, where artists reinterpret and evolve Chinese folk cloth art, leading to the emergence of innovative and culturally enriched masterpieces.

In conclusion, Bu represents a transformative effort to reignite the flame of interest in Chinese folk cloth art. By combining playfulness, education, and creativity, Bu transcends the limitations of traditional folk toys and emerges as a dynamic force in cultural preservation and innovation. Through its magnetic modules, Velcro surface, and versatile applications, Bu not only captures the imagination of children but also empowers artisans and artists to continue the legacy of Chinese folk cloth art in a rapidly changing world.


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  • Honoree

    Jialu Hou

  • School

    Royal College of Art

  • Project Team

    Yufeng Lin, Director of the Art Museum of Shandong University of Arts & Design

    Yihan Shao, Classmates

  • Category

    Toys & Play

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