Furniture Development Framework for Cultural Conservation: A Case Study of Peranakan Chinese in Singapore

Wenhong Huang, Ahmad Rizal Abdul Rahman (), Sarjit S. Gill and Raja Ahmad Azmeer Raja Ahmad Effendi
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Wenhong Huang: School of Fine Arts and Design, Changsha Normal University, Changsha 410100, China
Ahmad Rizal Abdul Rahman: Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
Sarjit S. Gill: Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
Raja Ahmad Azmeer Raja Ahmad Effendi: Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: The Peranakan Chinese, formed through intermarriage between Chinese immigrants and Southeast Asian indigenous people, represent a unique example of cultural amalgamation. As modern society evolves, the conservation of their culture faces significant challenges, particularly in balancing heritage preservation with contemporary relevance. Addressing how Peranakan cultural products can meet the functional and emotional needs of modern audiences while achieving sustainable cultural development is a question worthy of in-depth exploration. This study uses the “SR” furniture series from Singapore’s “I” brand as a case study to examine how cultural products can integrate Peranakan heritage into modern life while promoting cultural conservation. Guided by affordance theory and thematic analysis, this research identifies four key strategies: (1) Cultural Integration and Expression; (2) Modern Innovation in Furniture Design; (3) Promotion and Sustainability; and (4) Social Engagement and Education. Based on these strategies, this study proposes a framework for cultural conservation in furniture development. This framework offers actionable strategies for designers, businesses, and policymakers to create products that meet both functional and emotional needs while fostering cultural conservation and adaptation in a globalized context.

Keywords: Peranakan Chinese; furniture; case study; cultural conservation; Singapore (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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