Asian Design: India, China, Japan, Africa, Islamic

Asian Design: India, China, Japan, Africa, Islamic

Now that you have read about the amazing array of forms in architecture, interiors, and furniture in Asia, let’s carefully consider their distinct features and how their legacy remains with us today. This is a thinking assignment.
For this week’s Discussion, post your answers to the questions listed below (40 points), then respond to 2 other student’s comments (10 points). Agree or disagree. Be respectful, courteous, and practice good “netiquette.” Two or three succinct sentences are required for each question and each response. For full points you must use correct capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
Answer the following questions for each of these culture: India, China, Japan, Africa, Islamic
What traditions influenced the evolution of design in each culture?
What materials, geography, or climate influenced the design of architecture and furniture?
What types of furniture were developed and what did they look like?
How can we adapt designs from the past in today’s world?
V. After completing this list tell which of the designs appeal to you most and why.
Example: Ancient Egypt
Because religion ruled life in ancient Egypt all design evolved from that influence. Strong traditions and focus on the afterlife led to the building of many temples, tombs, and the great pyramids. Forms were rectilinear and solid, reflecting a desire for stability.
Wood was scarce in the deserts of Egypt so important buildings were made of stone and homes of clay brick.
Egyptians lived in harmony with the seasons and were close to nature. They often ate or slept on their rooftops to take advantage of an evening breeze from the Nile.
In the desert heat, interiors had little furniture. Because chairs were thrones made only for royalty, they were decorated with semi-precious stones and gold leaf and elaborately carved with plant and animal forms taken from religion and nature. The most common furniture was the chest, which came in various sizes for many different uses from storing linens to a place for cosmetics. The stool was also used by everyone and these had curved seats for comfort.
In today’s world we still use adobe brick construction in hot climates and chests continue to be available for every possible use. Elaborately carved and decorated chairs are still used mainly by important rulers or religious leaders. Because of its attractive form and ergonomic comfort, the Egyptian stool is still seen in contemporary interiors.

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