Dear Chris,
You wrote to Daniela the following:
(...)
>I do agree that the application of our experience and
> knowledge we gained from overseas is one of the critical steps we
have to make, but only when we can do it in such a way that it will
fit the local culture. I am still, and believe will keep on, looking
for ways to do so.
> Maybe designers and design educators from these countries might
need to work more closely together towards some agreed aims?
>
> Thanks!
>
> regards,
> Chris
>
I think the above is preceisely the kind of questions that gave birth
to the "Designfordevelopment" forum. It appears, however, that this
list started a year ago or so still needs active participation by all
those interested, whether from the so-called "developing" countries
or elsewhere.
Perhaps then, if I may, your questions or topics should be
reformulated as follows, just to stimulate a more vigorous exchange
of views:
- Do the experiences and knowledge acquired in "developed" countries
do fit in local cultures other than the Western?
- If the answer is yes, then how and to which extend those
experiences and knowledge should be applied locally?
- What would be the precise role and attitude of the Western design
educators towards non-western students? And what should be the role
and attitude of these latter?
- Beside personal achievement, of course, what else should be
the "agreed upon aims" of design graduates and profesionals from non-
western countries?
Obviously there may be more questions for reflection, but let start
for the moment with these you have just raised above.
And with all this to conclude, from my point of view, that perhaps
the most urgent need is to "educate" ourselves first...!
Regards.
Francois-X. N.I. NSENGA
Montreal
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