Design Beyond the Classroom: YunTech Students Explore the Field to Reinterpret Traditional Temple Craftsmanship
The Center for Intelligent Regional Design Services at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) is dedicated to engaging deeply with Taiwan’s local communities, developing research and practice that use design to address regional issues. The center focuses on aspects such as cultural heritage, spatial planning, local industries, and communities, while connecting Taiwan’s experiences to a broader international perspective.
In 2025, faculty and students from YunTech’s Department of Creative Living and Design, under the guidance of Vice President Huang Shih-Hui and the research team, conducted fieldwork at Chenggong Temple in Dapi Township, Yunlin County. The team collected craft-related data and explored local cultural contexts, applying design expertise to support the preservation and transmission of regional cultural heritage.
Project Activities and Outcomes
Students actively participated in site visits to Chenggong Temple, gathering information on temple craftsmanship, belief systems, and local narratives. The collected data were analyzed and translated into multiple design outputs:
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Craft Introduction DM – A visually appealing and easily readable brochure presenting the key craftsmanship features of Chenggong Temple.
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Digital Information Platform (Craft Website) – A sustainable, shareable digital repository for cultural heritage data.
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Video Presentation – An audiovisual introduction highlighting the temple’s historical background and craftsmanship.
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Chenggong Temple Story Picture Book – A narrative-driven illustrated book translating the temple’s history and cultural significance for broader understanding and engagement.
The project showcases students’ learning experiences in field research and design translation while serving as a practical example of design contributing to local communities. Upon completion, the team delivered over 300 copies of the DM directly to Chenggong Temple, providing tangible feedback to local residents and worshippers and promoting greater public understanding of the temple’s craftsmanship and cultural value.
The Center for Intelligent Regional Design Services uses design research to address local challenges, combining interdisciplinary integration with hands-on practice. This collaboration with Chenggong Temple exemplifies the center’s approach: engaging with local communities, translating knowledge into practical outputs, and applying design to preserve and communicate regional cultural heritage.
Vice President Hwang Shyh-Huei Reviews the Craft DM on Site with the Community Chairperson and Temple Staff, Engaging in a Discussion of Chenggong Temple’s Craftsmanship and Stories.
Faculty and Students from YunTech’s Department of Creative Design Pose for a Group Photo with Chenggong Temple Community Representatives, Celebrating the Completion and Delivery of the Design Project Outputs.
Organizing Unit: Intelligent & Local Design Service Center
Head of Unit: Chief Director Hwang Shyh-Huei
Contact Person: Mr. Jhuo,Jia-Sian
Telephone: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2870
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