Department of Wood Science and Design, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology

Introduction

Our department is rooted in wood science, carefully designing a curriculum that integrates design thinking with technical practice. We guide students from creative ideation to craftsmanship innovation, transforming concepts into tangible works. As the only academic discipline in Taiwan that combines wood-based material resources, chemical improvement technologies, and applied practices, we aim to showcase our expertise in this exhibition, embedding sustainability into design and conveying the limitless possibilities of wood and the future.

This year’s Young Designers’ Exhibition is themed “Envision Future,” focusing on global sustainability trends and addressing societal changes and environmental issues. Aligned with our department’s sustainable development framework, the exhibition translates key concepts such as “carbon sequestration” and “carbon sinks” into concrete designs. Through spatial planning and showcased works, we explore the role of wood materials in shaping the future and inspire industries to embrace environmental awareness and sustainable transformation.

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of wood-based materials and fiber science, promoting their innovative applications across ecological, economic, and aesthetic dimensions. The exhibition features a diverse array of projects, including microbial cellulose-based leather alternatives that pioneer new possibilities for bio-based materials; the development of fiber from agricultural residues for bicycle design, redefining the value of discarded resources; an inclusive board game designed for both visually impaired and sighted players, fostering social integration; biomimetic bird nests that establish new ecological restoration models, strengthening the connection between humans and nature; furniture designs that combine bamboo and wood to explore novel material compositions; and spatial designs that address ecological issues, creating environments with sustainability at their core.

Through this exhibition, we seek to inspire society’s vision of sustainable design and introduce new possibilities for the future through an innovative perspective. By merging wood science with design, we aspire to create a green trend that harmonizes aesthetics and ecological value, shaping our own “Envision Future.”