In a pool of nearly 8,000 submissions, the project titled "Sample Mountain - Taiwan Mountain Snacks" by students from the Industrial Design Department at Tunghai University stood out, winning the prestigious 2023 Golden Pin Concept Design Award. The project not only secured the award for "Best Design of the Year" but also came with a substantial prize of NT$400,000.
The Golden Pin Design Award is widely regarded as one of the top design awards in the global Chinese-speaking market. In 2023, it attracted nearly 8,000 entries from 23 countries worldwide. Out of these, 25 were selected for the "Best Design of the Year" award, and two received the "Special Design of the Year" award. Tunghai University's Industrial Design students, Hong Ciao-Yun and Lin Fang-Hsi, earned the highest honor with their outstanding work, "Sample Mountain - Taiwan Mountain Snacks," bringing glory to Taiwan as emerging talents.
Tunghai University Industrial Design students Hong Ciao-Yun (left) and Lin Fang-Hsi (right) receive the prestigious Gold Pin Concept Design Award's highest honor, the 'Best Design of the Year,' along with a prize of NT$400,000, for their work 'Sample Mountain - Taiwan Mountain Snacks.
The award ceremony for the 2023 Golden Pin Design Award took place on December 1st, 2023 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center's Ball Theater. The Industrial Design Department at Tunghai University claimed the top prize, "Best Design of the Year," and a cash reward of NT$400,000 for their project "Sample Mountain - Taiwan Mountain Snacks." Dr. Lu Chia-Chen, the director of the Industrial Design Department, emphasized the global significance of the award, with 97 experts from 19 countries, including renowned figures like Thomas Garvey from the World Design Organization (WDO) and Japanese designer Issei Miyake, Vietnamese architectural master Vo Trong Nghia, Robert Greenwood, partner and managing director for the Asia-Pacific region at the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, and others, serving as international judges. Out of the numerous entries, 25 were selected as "Best Design of the Year," and 2 received "Special Annual Awards," coming from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Lithuania, and other places. In the Golden Pin Concept Design Award, three outstanding young Taiwanese teams were recognized, with one of them being Tunghai University's Industrial Design project, "Sample Mountain - Taiwan Mountain Snacks."
Supervised by Professor Chen Ming-Shih, "Sample Mountain" is an interdisciplinary experimental project that not only won the Golden Pin Concept Design Award but also received recognition from the Red Dot Design Award: Brands & Communication Design and the Ministry of Culture's Cultural Heritage Creative Award in the A+ Craft Design category. Dr. Chen Ming-Shih highlighted that the creators, Hong Ciao-Yun and Lin Fang-Hsi expressed their deep affection for Taiwan's high mountains. Recognizing the attraction of Taiwan's high mountains to climbing enthusiasts worldwide, they delved into the historical and cultural aspects of Taiwan's high mountains and their emotional connections with residents. With "local souvenirs" as the core concept, they embarked on a graduation project that showcased the different facets of Taiwan's mountainous landscapes. The elements of mountains were serialized, using the concept of "sampling" to slice these landscapes into pieces. Relevant local ingredients were chosen, emphasizing the "taste" to record the memory of the land. Through interactive experiences during consumption, the project not only enhanced emotional connections to the land but also deepened an understanding of the beauty of Taiwan's mountains and forests.
Sample Mountain (SAMPLE MT.)' is an interdisciplinary experimental project. With 'local souvenirs' as its core, it categorizes Taiwan's five major mountain ranges and records the land's memory through the 'taste.' Using the concept of 'sampling,' each element is sliced into pieces, allowing people to 'pick up' the beautiful landscapes of Taiwan's high mountains during the consumption process.
Director Lu Chia-Chen emphasized the valuable practical experience gained by students throughout the interdisciplinary creative process. With guidance and support from instructors Chen Cheng-Chung, Tien Rong, and Yao Long from Tunghai's Department of Hospitality Management, students not only constructed their creative concepts but also transformed them into delicious end products. This holistic approach allowed students to comprehend the role of "design" in the creative process. Director Lu Chia-Chen commended the students for showcasing their design talents during their academic journey, bringing honor and praise to Tunghai University. The Department of Industrial Design actively supports students' participation in international design competitions, fostering students' design perspectives and encouraging them to shine on the global stage, once again demonstrating Tunghai's design strength and bringing glory to the university.