This year, the NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design graduation exhibition curated its works based on the theme of ‘Dash—’, that line that interrupts—while at the same time connecting—two ideas or moments of expression. The exhibition was held on the 1st floor of the NPUST Library and Exhibition Hall on April 25th (2023), with wood creations divided into three categories, including “product design and creation”, “spatial design” and “development and application of wood resource materials”. The students were called to create innovative and functional product designs, and to use recycled materials to build healthy and comfortable environments. The exhibited works made use of different woods and driftwoods as well as a variety of other non-wood materials such as cement, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and acrylics. The diverse elements gave an added charm to the creations, while also bringing a little more flavor to the design processes.
NPUST President, Chin-Lung Chang, delivered a speech at the event, expressing his sentiments towards the results. “We see so many wonderful works here—and each work is the result of four years of effort made by the students. In the process of learning, it is inevitable that you will encounter setbacks; however, woodworking is a field that requires the art of patience and understanding of beauty. As you polish your works, you are also honing your own wills and attitudes towards life.”
Director of the Department of Wood Science, Fang Ming Lin, said “one feature of the Department of Wood Science is that it helps strengthen and improve students’ practical abilities while they also learn irreplaceable concepts such as ‘net zero carbon emissions’, ‘circular economies’, and ‘’biomass applications’—areas which are well connection with industry. I am very grateful to the teachers in the department for their dedication to the students and the guidance they provide. The students performed very well, and the works they created are amazing.”
Graduation is the end of one stage and the commencement of another—like a punctuation, or Dash, that both separates and connects the time students spent honing their skills and the time they will spend applying them. In that meantime, those skills were placed on display for all to see. Embodied by their creations, the students expressed their expectations and hopes for the future, while articulating certain sentiments which they have towards their transition to society and the beginning of a new journey.
The NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design is committed to developing wood material science and processing methods that take into account environmental protection, ecological care, and the SDGs goals. As students integrate different forms of design into their creations, they are learning to apply professional scientific knowledge and find new ways to use natural and sustainable resources for product creation, spatial design, and other areas of wood material research. By participating in various large-scale exhibitions and competitions, the students have more opportunities to connect with the industry, improve their abilities, and implement design integration. Expectations are that the students will continue to bring attention to their Alma Mater as they apply their skills and deepen their connections with the industry while venturing into their future careers.
