SECTION C:
,CULTURAL DESIGN:
VERNACULAR = refers to the standard native visual language of a country or locality that represents a
certain culture. (can include specific patterns, colours, use of images / forms; an indigenous building
style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament.)
RICH IS BLACK KNITWEAR COLLECTION by Thandazani Nofingxana
- Pays homage to Xhosa culture by telling their stories through a
blend of patterns
- Warm colours and geometric shapes and patterns resemble warm
African cultural patterns and heritage.
- Vernacular = design expresses native visual language of the Xhosa
community through specific patterns, colours, imagery and forms.
- Neo-ethnic = designer does not exploit the Xhosa culture, he
instead pays attention to their timeline and culture and introduces this into a modern form of dress
wear.
FLATTENING OF CULTURES = the practice of elevating the visual aesthetic of cultures while reducing the
emphasis on the traditional values, meanings, significance and symbols. (linked to selling the culture as a
commodity and losing its authenticity through tourism)
TOTEM BOTTLES FOR KENZO (PACKAGING AND LOGO) by Nendo’s
- By simplifying the symbols of indigenous Native American totems,
the bold designs relate to many people and are thus 'transnational'.
- Over-simplified geometric forms.
- Complimentary colours (orange and blue)
- Flattening of cultures = design inspired by Native American Totems;
however, the symbols are very simplified (reaches wider audience)
- Neo-ethnic = inspired by the culture of the indigenous native
Americans. Nendo simplifies the symbols and signs to make the design more accessible to others.
ARTISANAL = high-quality or distinctive products are made in small quantities, usually by hand or using
traditional methods.
INDEPENDENCE ll by Houtlander
- Uses traditional joinery, wood bending and other
woodworking techniques in a completely new way
- Organic forms and shapes. Curved forms contrasts
straight lines in back of bench. Bright colour.
- Artisanal design = uses the techniques of traditional
joinery and wood bending
- Neo-ethnic = Houtlander used traditional manufacturing
techniques to create a visual aesthetic that relates closely
to his culture
1
, Heritage and conservation = the preservation of qualities, styles, techniques and designs that are
valued, meaningful, historic and passed down the generations.
UMKHUMBANE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE MUSEUM by Choromanski
Architect’s
- Tells story of Cato Manor through architectural style
- Incorporates Zulu patterns through the “broken” appearing outer shell
- Warm red brick tower contrasts cold laser cut screen.
- Cylindrical form vs. broken geometrical patterns = asymmetrical balance
- Passive cooling system based on traditional building technology
- Heritage and conservation = preserves qualities and styles that are
meaningful to the Cato Manor and Zulu culture.
- Neo-ethnic = museum appreciates the Zulu culture by keeping it alive
through design. Celebrates painful and beautiful heritage of the Cato
Manor area
GEO-CULTURES = when a specific geographic location takes the cultural characteristics of inhabitants
into account, such as common language, design and visual language.
OROMO CHAIR by Mpho Vackier
- Black and white patterns contrast the bright orange seat.
- Various weaving styles of the black steel creates a textural element
that mimics the braided hairstyles of local Ethiopians.
- Geo-cultures = Vackier takes into account the local inhabitants of
Ethiopia. She includes them in her design by incorporating the cultural
aesthetic and visual language of their braided hairstyles.
- Neo-ethic = the lines on the chair, and fabric design, inspired by
hairstyles of the OROMO people found in Ethiopia. Design appreciates
the Ethiopian culture and visual language while adding a
contemporary feel through the visual combination of elements.
AFRO-FUTURISM = is a cultural aesthetic that explores the connection between the African Diaspora
culture, identity and technology and even social justice.
AAKS BAGS by Akosua
- Akosua incorporates his Ghanian ethnicity into his collection by employing a
small number of women to hand-weave his bags
- Light and dark colour weaving contrasts one another
- Traditional weaving techniques create a beautiful textural element
- Afro-futurism = design combines the cultural aesthetic of the Ghanaian
ethnicity with a contemporary style and feel.
- Neo-ethnic = they embrace history and culture by using traditional hand-
weaving techniques that have been passed down through generation
2
,CULTURAL DESIGN:
VERNACULAR = refers to the standard native visual language of a country or locality that represents a
certain culture. (can include specific patterns, colours, use of images / forms; an indigenous building
style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament.)
RICH IS BLACK KNITWEAR COLLECTION by Thandazani Nofingxana
- Pays homage to Xhosa culture by telling their stories through a
blend of patterns
- Warm colours and geometric shapes and patterns resemble warm
African cultural patterns and heritage.
- Vernacular = design expresses native visual language of the Xhosa
community through specific patterns, colours, imagery and forms.
- Neo-ethnic = designer does not exploit the Xhosa culture, he
instead pays attention to their timeline and culture and introduces this into a modern form of dress
wear.
FLATTENING OF CULTURES = the practice of elevating the visual aesthetic of cultures while reducing the
emphasis on the traditional values, meanings, significance and symbols. (linked to selling the culture as a
commodity and losing its authenticity through tourism)
TOTEM BOTTLES FOR KENZO (PACKAGING AND LOGO) by Nendo’s
- By simplifying the symbols of indigenous Native American totems,
the bold designs relate to many people and are thus 'transnational'.
- Over-simplified geometric forms.
- Complimentary colours (orange and blue)
- Flattening of cultures = design inspired by Native American Totems;
however, the symbols are very simplified (reaches wider audience)
- Neo-ethnic = inspired by the culture of the indigenous native
Americans. Nendo simplifies the symbols and signs to make the design more accessible to others.
ARTISANAL = high-quality or distinctive products are made in small quantities, usually by hand or using
traditional methods.
INDEPENDENCE ll by Houtlander
- Uses traditional joinery, wood bending and other
woodworking techniques in a completely new way
- Organic forms and shapes. Curved forms contrasts
straight lines in back of bench. Bright colour.
- Artisanal design = uses the techniques of traditional
joinery and wood bending
- Neo-ethnic = Houtlander used traditional manufacturing
techniques to create a visual aesthetic that relates closely
to his culture
1
, Heritage and conservation = the preservation of qualities, styles, techniques and designs that are
valued, meaningful, historic and passed down the generations.
UMKHUMBANE CULTURAL AND HERITAGE MUSEUM by Choromanski
Architect’s
- Tells story of Cato Manor through architectural style
- Incorporates Zulu patterns through the “broken” appearing outer shell
- Warm red brick tower contrasts cold laser cut screen.
- Cylindrical form vs. broken geometrical patterns = asymmetrical balance
- Passive cooling system based on traditional building technology
- Heritage and conservation = preserves qualities and styles that are
meaningful to the Cato Manor and Zulu culture.
- Neo-ethnic = museum appreciates the Zulu culture by keeping it alive
through design. Celebrates painful and beautiful heritage of the Cato
Manor area
GEO-CULTURES = when a specific geographic location takes the cultural characteristics of inhabitants
into account, such as common language, design and visual language.
OROMO CHAIR by Mpho Vackier
- Black and white patterns contrast the bright orange seat.
- Various weaving styles of the black steel creates a textural element
that mimics the braided hairstyles of local Ethiopians.
- Geo-cultures = Vackier takes into account the local inhabitants of
Ethiopia. She includes them in her design by incorporating the cultural
aesthetic and visual language of their braided hairstyles.
- Neo-ethic = the lines on the chair, and fabric design, inspired by
hairstyles of the OROMO people found in Ethiopia. Design appreciates
the Ethiopian culture and visual language while adding a
contemporary feel through the visual combination of elements.
AFRO-FUTURISM = is a cultural aesthetic that explores the connection between the African Diaspora
culture, identity and technology and even social justice.
AAKS BAGS by Akosua
- Akosua incorporates his Ghanian ethnicity into his collection by employing a
small number of women to hand-weave his bags
- Light and dark colour weaving contrasts one another
- Traditional weaving techniques create a beautiful textural element
- Afro-futurism = design combines the cultural aesthetic of the Ghanaian
ethnicity with a contemporary style and feel.
- Neo-ethnic = they embrace history and culture by using traditional hand-
weaving techniques that have been passed down through generation
2
