Reimagining neo-chinese interiors via the lens of semiotics

Abstract

Globalization has inevitably disrupted the sanctity of the local culture of countries in the world under the impact of dominant foreign culture. Ignoring the preservation of domestic culture will lead to cultural homogenization and loss of identity. Attributable to this, protecting local culture has become one of the most crucial agendas in many countries’ cultural development planning, including China. One of the most potent approaches to this is through design. The emergence of Neo-Chinese interior design in China has created a window to forward new interpretations and meanings while preserving the Chinese culture through contemporary interior design. The study attempts to formulate a new design model by interpreting and conveying meanings of Chinese traditional culture through the material form using semiotics. Meanings from Chinese traditional paintings will be decoded to help formulate the structures for the new proposed model of the Neo-Chinese interior design. They will serve as the research variable and the basis of the study. The outcome of this research can be helpful to Chinese interior designers while also acting as a reference for other countries to maintain and develop the nationality of their design.