Description

The Global Perspectives on Design and Culture database was designed in 2002 to support classes that are taught on the subject at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Department of Environment, Textiles and Design; School of Human Ecology) and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Division of Interior Architecture). The courses were initiated to address issues of global identity, culture and community, and cross-cultural interface through the study of design of living environments (including landscape; exteriors and interiors; furniture; household objects; textiles, and decorative, personal and ritual objects). They offer an intimate, human-based, cultural approach to globalization issues.

The database may prove helpful for other types of courses, or useful for other purposes. We invite others to share their reactions and information about the way they worked with it. We also invite others to contribute images and data that might be added to it if it is expanded in the future.

Credits

Funding for the development of the Global Perspectives on Design and Culture database was provided under a collaborative curricular initiative project grant by the Institute for Global Studies of the University of Wisconsin System, and an IDEA (Interactive and Dynamic Education Activities) grant provided by the International Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional funding and assistance was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Madison General Library System.

Co-developers (directors) of the project are Professor Beverly Gordon, Department of Environment, Textiles and Design, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Professor Patricia Williams, Division of Interior Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Jean Ruenger-Hanson and the staffs of the Digital Content Group and Library Technology Group, General Library System, University of Wisconsin-Madison, provided technical assistance.