Colourful urban life, full of hidden aspects, has been creatively revealed and showcased at the Kính Vạn Hoa exhibition by RMIT Design Studies students.
Exhibited at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City from 12 March to 24 April, 23 students’ creative works, which resulted from a work integrated learning, the Capstone 1 from RMIT Bachelor of Design Studies, celebrates what we see as ordinary in 2022 and what will be considered heritage in the future.
From multidimensional visualisation to 3D animation to conceptual models, the works presents the museum as a ‘cultural activator’ by encouraging people to reconnect with the city and communities that exist within it.
RMIT School of Communication & Design associate lecturer Rebecca Lu said that the 12-week investigative project examines Saigon heritage, culture and identity through the lens and perspective of a younger generation.
“The design outcomes are conceptualised as speculative design prototypes and visualisations, developed from in-depth explorations found within their research, and relate to topics such as urbanisation, economy, growth, authentic tourism, and what the future of the city holds,” Ms Lu said.
RMIT lecturer and course coordinator Dr Andrew Stiff added that the course is semi-autonomous, which prepares students for the independent practice they will encounter in their future workplace.
“Students develop their creativity through a focus on letting the process lead the project direction,” Dr Stiff said.
“The outcomes or solutions emerge from that process.”
‘Saigon Folklore’ honours the beautiful personalities of Ho Chi Minh City people through the ordinary yet prideful stories of kindness.
One of the student’s creative projects – ‘Saigon Folklore’ aims to honour the beautiful personalities of Ho Chi Minh City people through their ordinary yet prideful stories of kindness.
RMIT Bachelor of Design Studies student Ha Xuan Uyen said that her project helps create a collection of stories that reflect the modern Ho Chi Minh City citizens with their signature lifestyle and charismatic characteristics, such as generosity, empathy and carefree [spirits].
“The project includes an annual event, several art installations and a website dedicated to it, which are all easy to be implemented at a later date[by the museum],” Uyen said.
Uyen has gone the extra mile by doing literature research about Saigon people back to before 1900 and interviewed approximately 30 people to choose the top three stories to disclose.
“Each and every person I encountered and interviewed has a beautiful story to tell,” Uyen shared.
“The insight I acquired makes me appreciate Ho Chi Minh City people’s fascinating characteristics even more.”
Inspired by the lack of direct connection during the social distancing period, ‘Hẻm Heartbeat’ wants to create a space to share and connect with people in the city.
Inspired by the lack of direct connection during the social distancing period, RMIT Bachelor of Design Studies student, Mai-Anh Holland created ‘Hẻm Heartbeat’ - a storytelling event held in the heart of Saigon.
Sharing her ‘crazy project’ [a creative activity as part of the Capstone 1 course], Mai-Anh said: “I had an idea of hosting an event in a hidden ‘hem’ [small lane] and call it ‘Speak Easy, Saigon’.”
“This would have a space where communities can come and share stories with each other,” she said.
“I arrived at this idea after identifying three fascinations from my research map, including storytelling, mindfulness and touch.
“Following the ‘crazy project’, I began defining and researching the specific hem I had in mind, then the visualisation and inspiration started to come a little easier.”
Mai Anh said the concept of connecting through storytelling came about from the connection drought and loss Saigon experienced during lockdown. “I wanted to create a project that would celebrate local storytellers and artists through a sustainable lens in a magical yet familiar space.”
Dr Stiff emphasised that the exceptional outcomes from the Capstone courses are the result of a creative approach to all aspects of the project.
“A professional approach to client, learning and communication are all essential creative skills,” he said.
“Students display a diverse range of responses to the problems they encounter, and student sketchbooks [or visual diaries] show very impressive outcomes, which demonstrate the depth of the knowledge students uncover and learn.”
The exceptional outcomes from RMIT’s Capstone courses are the result of a creative approach to all aspects of the project.
Story: Ha Hoang