Development of a furniture design framework based on cultural layers for Peranakan Chinese heritage conservation in Singapore

The Peranakan Chinese community in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, reflects a unique fusion of immigrant and local cultures. However, modernization and globalization threaten its cultural sustainability. While the Singaporean government and society have implemented efforts to maintain Peranakan Chinese culture in a static form, they have proven inadequate due to demographic decline and a shift in cultural engagement. This study aims to (1) identify key elements of Peranakan Chinese heritage, (2) explore furniture design as a medium for cultural conservation, and (3) develop a design framework integrating cultural sustainability principles. A qualitative case study approach is adopted, analyzing three contemporary furniture series inspired by Peranakan culture. Data is collected via semi- structured interview, documents review and physical artifacts. Affordance Theory and the Cultural Layers Model guide the analysis. Findings reveal that furniture design can embed heritage into daily life through three key strategies: (1) integrating traditional motifs into modern design, (2) promoting cultural interaction via adaptive design, and (3) conveying heritage narratives through product development. The study proposes the Peranakan Chinese Furniture Design Framework (PCFDF), offering practical guidelines for designers, conservationists, and policymakers. Beyond its practical relevance in furniture design, the PCFDF provides a conceptual foundation for future research and policy-making in cultural preservation. The framework also offers strategic value for policymakers and heritage organizations, promoting the integration of design thinking into cultural heritage management. Future research is recommended to examine the scalability of the PCFDF, its application across diverse cultural settings, and its incorporation into public policy. Strengthened collaboration among designers, researchers, and institutions will be essential for ensuring the long- term preservation of intangible cultural heritage in a rapidly globalizing world.

Text FBSB 2025 2 - Full Text.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (90MB) Text FBSB 2025 2.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (91MB)

Actions (login required)

View Item