The Taoyuan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau collaborated with Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Business Design to complete a six-month survey, collection, and interview project on military dependents’ villages. Through the efforts of Chung Yuan faculty and students, six brand design images were created based on the architectural appearance and residents’ memories of Mazu New Village, along with cultural and creative products such as stationery, tableware, toys, magnets, coasters, and fragrances. Incorporating fragrance and memories into the distinctive features of Mazu Village, the “Mazu Village Diary” exhibition was held, showcasing university students’ observations and learning about the local area. It is worth mentioning that Pan Guanzhen, a sophomore student in the product design group, demonstrated ingenious creativity. His design, the “Wooden Fragrance Bottle,” was favored by two local artisan brands and is set for future collaboration in mass production of the product.
The exhibition, titled “Mazu Village Diary: Memories of 957 – Prologue,” revolves around the concept of diaries to showcase the cultural and historical memories of Mazu Village and the process of product development. Faculty and students from Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Business Design utilized their design expertise to create a new aesthetic design. They not only launched a proprietary brand store and experiential activities featuring the unique characteristics of Mazu New Village but also developed a variety of products inspired by its distinct history and culture. These wonderful creations demonstrate how the university’s social responsibility is integrated into its curriculum and community engagement, sparking infinite imagination and possibilities for the delightful life in military dependents’ villages.
Under the guidance of Professor Liu Chenxu from the Department of Business Design, second-year students utilized unique elements from Mazu New Village, such as black tiles, red doors, green windows, star-patterned roof tiles, and octagonal pavilions, to inspire a variety of interesting creations. Student designer Pan Guanzhen explained that the design of the wooden fragrance bottle was inspired by the distinctive “star-patterned roof tiles” found on the top of Mazu Village buildings. The bottle features a rotatable and replaceable body, allowing for reuse to reduce environmental impact. Pan Guanzhen stated, “The overall design resembles a miniature building, satisfying both practicality and aesthetics.” Additionally, there are products such as the “Mazu Village Diary Notebook” featuring latticed window designs, the “Memory Doll” puzzle game inspired by village residents, fruit trays adorned with cheerful colors, and multi-level bookends inspired by village gates, houses, and trees. Each creation integrates the students’ creativity with the unique cultural atmosphere of the military dependents’ village, making them worth admiring in detail.
