Designing New Perspectives on Cultural Heritage with Po Jui Huang and Ching-Ho Hsiao

This recognition means a great deal to us. It is not only an acknowledgment of our work, but also a sign that Taiwan’s traditional culture and beliefs are being seen and understood internationally. It reinforces our belief that this path is meaningful and worth continuing.

We are an emerging team driven by passion for culture and faith. This award marks an important milestone for us. It has strengthened our confidence and brought greater visibility to our work, while also opening up new opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations and cultural projects.

Experimentation plays a crucial role in our creative process. We attempted to bring traditional Taiwanese ritual performances (Yi-Zhen) onto the stage, presenting them in a theatrical format. This was a significant breakthrough, as these traditions carry many taboos and cultural boundaries. Finding ways to innovate while maintaining respect made the process both challenging and exciting.

Our inspiration comes from everyday cultural memories. Watching Yi-Zhen performances in front of temples is a shared childhood experience in Taiwan. However, these traditions are often misunderstood. We aim to reinterpret their value through design and shift these perceptions.

I hope more people understand that design is not just about visual output, but a process of cultural understanding. Especially in traditional culture and belief systems, every detail carries meaning and context.

Balancing innovation with tradition was one of the biggest challenges in this project. While the organiser encouraged innovation, Yi-Zhen carries strong cultural constraints. Through continuous dialogue, we found a balance that respects tradition while allowing new interpretations.

The biggest challenge was shifting the context of Yi-Zhen. Traditionally, it serves religious purposes, but we needed to bring it onto the stage for audiences. Cross-disciplinary collaboration also added complexity. We overcame these challenges through ongoing communication and trust-building.

When I face creative blocks, I return to temple spaces and watch Yi-Zhen performances to reconnect with the original inspiration.

I value “respect” and “translation” the most. While respecting the essence of culture, I focus on how it can be understood in a contemporary context. Design, to me, is a way of communicating across generations and cultures.

Belief is essential. Stay committed to what you believe in, and over time, that persistence will become your value.

I would choose to collaborate with legendary Broadway director Harold Prince. He was known for integrating storytelling with stage language. I would love to bring Taiwanese Yi-Zhen to a Broadway stage.

I wish someone would ask, “What has this work changed?”

My answer would be: it encourages more people to approach culture, and allows those already familiar with it to see new possibilities.