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Qiman Zhang: Designed for farmers
In the field of environmental art design in China, Zhang Qiman has long stood at the forefront. As the pioneer of this discipline in the country, she is a passionate advocate of "designing for China." This time, rather than following the trend of young designers flocking to cities, she turned her attention to the cave dwellings in Shaanxi, bringing modern design solutions to rural communities living in these traditional homes.
"Design for farmers" emerged from Zhang Qiman's deep sense of responsibility. It was born from the emotional impact she felt upon first witnessing the daily lives of people in the caves, inspired by the national policy promoting western development, and driven by a growing dissatisfaction within the design community amid commercial pressures. She once said, "Without serving the farmers, how can we live with a clear conscience?"
From 2009 to 2012, she collaborated with faculty and students from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing Institute of Clothing Technology, and Taiyuan University of Technology to launch the "Design for Farmers" project. Over four years, they conducted extensive research on cave dwelling structures, focusing on design and renovation to improve the living conditions of dozens of families residing in these traditional homes.
Despite the numerous challenges faced during the implementation of the project, Zhang Qiman prefers not to dwell on them. Her main concern remains the tangible improvements in the quality of life for the local farmers. As the new year of 2014 began, she finalized the annual plan for the project, which will continue for several more years, offering even more sustainable and meaningful options for rural communities.