The SFD PBL Project: Development of a Forbidden City-Themed Aesthetic Education Curriculum

"I Am the Guardian of the Caisson", a Forbidden City-themed aesthetic education curriculum, is based on the core content of two major projects under the 2023-2024 PBL Grand Challenge at the SFD: "Development of Children's Books on Forbidden City Architecture" and "Research on the Forbidden City Colour System." This curriculum was meticulously designed by faculty and students from the Design and Education Laboratory at the SFD. It offers a comprehensive aesthetic education programme on Forbidden City culture, tailored for upper primary school students. The curriculum has already been successfully implemented in Jinfeng Primary School in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, and Dananpo Complete Primary School in Jiaozuo, Henan Province.

The curriculum is guided by design thinking, encouraging primary school students to gain an in-depth understanding of the caisson structures in the Forbidden City through project-based learning, meeting the standards outlined in the art curriculum. It includes a comprehensive and innovative teaching package, comprising a detailed syllabus, instructional slide decks, teaching aids, toolkits, and course materials. By deeply integrating design thinking, the curriculum aims to enhance students’ overall competencies in artistic literacy and design cognition through engaging, diverse, and personalised teaching methods.

Development Team

Instructors: Wang Xinyue, Dai Jingnan (Jinfeng Primary School), Luo Lin (Jinfeng Primary School)

Students: Huang Wenwen, Zhao Zihong,  Fang Yiyu, Liu Luna, Li Xumin

Curriculum Development Plan

The Forbidden City, a treasure of Chinese culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only a prime example of ancient Chinese palace architecture but also a repository of traditional culture and art. Through the study of the Forbidden City's cultural aesthetics, children can enhance their aesthetic perception and cultural appreciation, effectively realizing the educational potential of this iconic site. The caisson structures within the Forbidden City, rich in form and cultural significance, are deeply intertwined with the evolution of Chinese culture. Over time, caisson patterns have weathered and faded, requiring multiple restorations to regain their current appearance. This underscores the urgent need for their preservation and cultural transmission. 

At the initial stage of the project, the development team conducted field research at the Forbidden City and visited Jinfeng Primary School to understand students' learning conditions. Through in-depth discussions with teachers at Jinfeng Primary School and meticulous refinement of the teaching plan, the team designed the "I Am the Guardian of the Caisson" curriculum series, tailored for students in Year 4 to Year 6, based on the Compulsory Education Art Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition). The curriculum is structured into three interconnected units: 1. Caisson Structure Reconstructor; 2. Caisson Colour Innovator and 3. Caisson Pattern Restorer.

Curriculum Teaching Aids Design

The design of teaching aids focuses on stimulating students' creativity, aesthetic sensibilities, and problem-solving abilities through design thinking. Thoughtfully crafted and implemented teaching aids help to concretize abstract concepts, assisting students in mastering key knowledge points while enhancing their engagement and hands-on learning. This approach ignites students' passion for creation and their imagination. Additionally, the teaching aids are designed to encourage group collaboration, aiming to foster a spirit of teamwork among students and improve their communication skills.

The teaching aids designed for this curriculum include group identification badges, course handbooks, accompanying course cards, and handbook stickers. These tools not only provide a visually engaging presentation but also offer interactive experiences that allow students to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the culture of the Forbidden City and the beauty of its caisson structures. The design philosophy focuses on transforming the complex structures, colours, and patterns of the Forbidden City's caissons into tangible, interactive, and perceivable forms. By integrating design thinking, the teaching aids enable students to learn, experience, and create through hands-on practice, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty of Chinese traditional culture. Through these carefully crafted teaching aids, students can acquire knowledge in an enjoyable and engaging environment, sparking their creativity and achieving a holistic enhancement of their aesthetic sensibilities and cultural literacy.

Evaluation and Reflection

The curriculum employed various evaluation methods, including observational assessments, project evaluations, and oral expression assessments, to comprehensively understand students’ learning outcomes and development. Through systematic collection and analysis of student feedback, the "I Am the Guardian of the Caisson" Forbidden City aesthetic education curriculum received overwhelmingly positive reviews from students. Students described the curriculum as engaging and enjoyable, with diverse and enriching practical activities that allowed them to experience the charm and value of China's outstanding traditional culture firsthand. Some also noted that their aesthetic literacy and creativity improved through the curriculum, and their understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture deepened significantly.