Designer Zhou Yi's Hutong Eraser was celebrated at this year's 2014 Kikkerland China Design Challenge. The event encouraged participants to submit products that incorporated Chinese heritage, history and mythology due to the country's mass manufacturing of goods that are rarely designed in China.
In response to this critical lack of design, Yi's Hutong Eraser delivered a nod to Beijing's renowned Hutong construction. The office tool itself is modeled after the architectural style. As Beijing's streets are becoming increasingly filled with high-rise buildings, the traditional Hutong model is quickly disappearing, much like the Hutong Eraser which will eventually dissipate.
Given the immense thought put into the Hutong Eraser, Zhou Yi took home the top prize. Approximately 18,000 online voters selected Yi's work, making the achievement all the more remarkable.
Architecturally-Themed Office Products
The Zhou Yi Hutong Eraser Builds on Beijing Construction
Trend Themes
1. Architecturally-themed Office Products - The trend of creating office supplies inspired by architectural styles could lead to the development of a whole line of items that celebrate unique buildings around the world.
2. Heritage-inspired Products - Designing products that pay homage to a region's unique history and traditions could appeal to consumers seeking a deeper connection to their cultural roots.
3. Sustainable Office Supplies - Creating office tools that are inspired by traditional architecture or heritage can also encourage sustainable practices by reminding users to embrace cultures that emphasize the balance of nature and design.
Industry Implications
1. Office Supplies - The production of architecturally themed office supplies can revolutionize the office supply industry and make workspaces more exciting.
2. Design - The development of products that celebrate a region's cultural traditions can create disruptive opportunities for designers to showcase their creative skills and meet a growing demand for heritage-inspired products.
3. Heritage Preservation - The creation of office supplies that pay tribute to a region's unique architecture can bring more attention to the critical issue of heritage preservation, particularly in cases where traditional buildings are being supplanted by modern skyscrapers and other structures.