Hello, I’m Yiko from Parsons School of Design.
In the past three weeks of intensive program Smart Craft Studio, teams are invited to create a project combining traditional wood craft and IoT/ AI. Our team members consist of students from four different universities across the globe: University of Toronto, Hong Kong University, Shih-Chien University and Parsons School of Design.
1. Research Week
We started to get familiar with the town by conducting interviews with town residences to understand their culture better. From the interviews’ findings, we came up with the core concept/ goal of our project, which is to introduce a new outdoor gathering space to enhance Hida community. One of our main ideations is to borrow an existing traditional way of gathering for from inspiration, then to built technology upon the analog interface, in order to introduce new technology to the locals.
We started to get familiar with the town by conducting interviews with town residences to understand their culture better. From the interviews’ findings, we came up with the core concept/ goal of our project, which is to introduce a new outdoor gathering space to enhance Hida community. One of our main ideations is to borrow an existing traditional way of gathering for from inspiration, then to built technology upon the analog interface, in order to introduce new technology to the locals.
*Interview with Ushimaru couple
*Ms. Kamigahira
2. Concept Development
After having the idea in mind, our team move on to the form development process. Through research and our own experience in Hida, we realized that most of the local lifestyle is hidden indoor. Socialization only happens in specific gathering places that are exclusive to town residences. We started thinking towards a modular system that can expand in quantity to spread larger influence in town, by creating more outdoor gathering spaces.
After having the idea in mind, our team move on to the form development process. Through research and our own experience in Hida, we realized that most of the local lifestyle is hidden indoor. Socialization only happens in specific gathering places that are exclusive to town residences. We started thinking towards a modular system that can expand in quantity to spread larger influence in town, by creating more outdoor gathering spaces.
*Brainstorming
*Faculty review
3. Final Design
In the design of our final form, we took the shape of Irori, Japanese traditional fireplace, as inspiration.
In the design of our final form, we took the shape of Irori, Japanese traditional fireplace, as inspiration.
Image from Google
To imitate the form of traditional gathering, and incorporate new interaction to this modular space. Besides refining the design to encourage public gathering. Our team also imagine the space to be a multi-cultural space that invites visitors to join and experience local socializing.
To imitate the form of traditional gathering, and incorporate new interaction to this modular space. Besides refining the design to encourage public gathering. Our team also imagine the space to be a multi-cultural space that invites visitors to join and experience local socializing.
We developed a translation device using IBM Watson artificial Intelligence API. The technology is based on a word bank consist of keywords evolving around Hida culture and basic conversation starter. Entities keywords such as: sake|酒, family|家族, country|国, beautiful|綺麗. Etc. The translation interaction serve as an “icebreaking” activity between two strangers within this semi-circular seating area.
*Translation device working process
From this project prototype, our objection is to find a starting point to introduce new public gathering space both for locals and visitors. Mainly creating a connection between our two target user groups: locals and visitors. From the fact that 1. Town residences are proud and want to showcase their lifestyle. 2. Visitors seek for opportunities to further experience the town culture by interacting more with locals. With the modular idea of this design, providing more new multi-cultural outdoor gathering spaces, visitors get the opportunity to blend into local life, while Hida lifestyle get more exposure to the other places.
*Project Kumi-Wa
*Instructional Board
Team E:
Design: Julia Liu, Shih-Chien University
Design: Jonathan Lau, Hong Kong University
Technician: Lauren Marshall, University of Toronto
Technician: Harman Gill, University of Toronto
Graphic Design: Ashley Woo, Parsons School of Design
TA: Yiko Li, Parsons School of Design
