International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design (IJAD)

BOOK REVIEW: Mascot Design for Promoting Business and Tourism in Thailand

2025-09-26T09:43:25+07:00

Mascots are essential design characters that have gained widespread popularity, serving diverse purposes in both city representation and the commercial sector. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to mascot design, ranging from foundational concepts to advanced techniques. Originally written in Thai under the English translated as Mascot Design for Promoting Business and Tourism in Thailand, the book is authored by Assistant Professor Waraporn Mamee from the Faculty of Art and Design at Naresuan University, Thailand. Drawing on her expertise in tourism promotion and the creative industries, she shares practical tips and techniques for developing mascot designs. Structured into nine chapters, the book presents its content and concludes each chapter with a concise summary to enhance understanding.

Understanding Vietnam Art & Cultural Scene: A Perspective from Hanoi Grapevine

2025-09-26T09:47:10+07:00

This paper explores the transformative role of the Hanoi Grapevine, a leading nonprofit independent platform, in shaping Vietnam's contemporary art and cultural landscape since its inception in 2007, with a particular focus on its strategic evolution and impact from 2019 onwards. Beyond its initial function as a news aggregator, the Hanoi Grapevine has cultivated a support system for artistic endeavors by facilitating connections among artists, spaces, and organisers, and by hosting vital educational and knowledge-sharing programs. Key initiatives such as the Proactive Audience Network (PAN) are examined for their success in building a highly engaged and discerning community of cultural enthusiasts. Drawing upon an insider's perspective, this study illuminates the critical contributions of independent organisations to cultural development in Vietnam, while also addressing existing challenges and the imperative of future collaborations, particularly with international partners, to foster a thriving and sustainable artistic environment.

Intergenerational Climate Change Education in Metropolitan China: Case Studies of Jing’an Elderly University and Nanhui New City University for Senior Citizens within the Shanghai Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Ecosystem

2025-09-26T09:50:54+07:00

This study addresses the urgent need for effective climate change education in urban China examining how intergenerational learning within Shanghai’s Education for Sustainable Development ecosystem can enhance climate literacy and social cohesion. The study conducted case studies of Jing’an Elderly University and Nanhui New City University for Senior Citizens, analysing their place-based curricula (industrial heritage/renewable energy workshops in Jing’an; smart-city infrastructure in Nanhui) through participatory activities, field trips, and community workshops. Both institutions successfully embedded climate education in intergenerational settings: Jing’an linked industrial heritage with green technology workshops, while Nanhui integrated smart-city infrastructure with traditional ecological knowledge exchange. These approaches demonstrably enhanced climate literacy and strengthened cross-generational social bonds. The findings provide actionable theoretical and practical insights for scaling culturally rooted, age-inclusive climate education models in metropolitan China and comparable urban contexts.

Attractive Elements for Promoting Cultural Heritage Tourism at Wat Thai Watanaram, Mae Sot District, Tak Province

2025-09-26T09:56:32+07:00

This literature review examines the distinctive characteristics of Wat Thai Watanaram, located in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, as a borderland religious site that embodies the cultural and artistic identity shaped by Burmese–Mon influences in Thailand. The study highlights three key aspects: architectural features, gold ornamentation, and the temple’s socio-cultural role within the multicultural context of the Thai–Myanmar border region. Findings reveal that the temple is distinguished by its tiered Pyatthat roofs, intricate gold leaf decorations, and vibrant colors characteristic of Burmese art. Beyond its architectural and artistic value, Wat Thai Watanaram functions as a spiritual and cultural hub for a diverse community—Mon, Burmese, Thai, Karen, and Chinese—through shared religious practices and local festivals. Moreover, the temple’s extensive use of gold ornamentation transcends aesthetics, symbolising sacredness, faith, and the construction of cultural identity in a borderland setting. The review recommends further research on the conservation of border temple art and advocates promoting the site as a center for cultural education and sustainable heritage tourism.