Patterndown - Visual Arts Application Project: Exploring the Cultural Value of Vietnamese Cement Tile Patterns
(Also referred as Patterndown: Unveiling the Art Underfoot)
Author(s)
Phúc Thịnh Bùi, Trường An Nguyễn
Abstract
The "Patterndown" project addresses a significant gap in the representation and preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage, specifically the intricate encaustic cement tile patterns (gạch bông) that flourished during the French colonial period (late 19th to mid-20th century). Traditional museum exhibitions often rely on static displays, such as artefacts and documents, that may not fully engage modern, digitally-savvy audiences.
To overcome this, the project integrates visual arts and projection mapping technologies to transform static cultural artefacts into dynamic, interactive storytelling experiences. Through in-depth historical and field research, the team collected, classified, and digitised traditional tile patterns from southern Vietnam into 2D vector graphics. These designs were then animated using motion graphics to create an immersive projection mapping showcase. The performance projected dynamic visual sequences onto a physical installation composed of 144 authentic encaustic tiles, synchronised with narrative voiceovers and original musical scores to convey the historical, symbolic, and aesthetic significance of the motifs. Complementing the digital experience, the team produced physical storytelling materials, including thematic zines, vintage-inspired brochures, poster series, and branded merchandise, to broaden cultural dissemination.
Post-showcase results highlighted the impact of technology integration in cultural exhibitions. A survey of 131 attendees showed that over 72% rated their engagement at the highest level, 89.3% found the visual presentation highly aesthetically pleasing, and 90.8% recognized the strong potential of projection mapping for enhancing historical sites and museum exhibits. Ultimately, Patterndown bridges historical scholarship and contemporary public engagement, demonstrating how innovative Culture Technology can preserve, revitalise, and promote traditional craftsmanship for future generations.
My contribution
As a core team member of the "Patterndown" project, I (Truong An) spearheaded the visual arts research, motion design techniques, and projection mapping development. My key responsibilities included:
Conducting in-depth historical research by sourcing and analyzing archival documents, photographs, and existing tile samples from southern Vietnam to uncover the origins, symbolic meanings, color palettes (e.g., vibrant yet harmonious use of blues, greens, reds, and earth tones), and recurring motifs of the tiles.
Contributing to the creative ideation phase by developing initial sketches and conceptual storyboards for motion graphics, translating static traditional patterns into dynamic animations that evoke cultural narratives, such as fluid transformations representing heritage evolution or rhythmic movements inspired by Vietnamese architectural symmetry.
Collaborating on the integration of motion works into projection mapping, ensuring animated sequences aligned precisely with the physical tile installation's geometry, voiceovers, and soundtrack to create an immersive, multisensory experience that revitalizes intangible cultural elements through contemporary technology.
Methodology
The project employed a mixed-methods approach integrating historical research, technological prototyping, and quantitative audience analysis:
Vector Digitisation: Physical tile patterns collected from southern Vietnam were meticulously traced and digitised into scalable 2D vector formats using Adobe Illustrator, ensuring high-resolution optimisation for digital projection and animation.
Motion Graphics Creation: Animated sequences were crafted in Adobe After Effects, where vector patterns were brought to life through dynamic effects, timed choreography, and synchronisation with architectural elements, narrative voiceovers, and original musical scores.
Projection Mapping Prototyping: A physical installation was constructed as a projection plane using 144 authentic encaustic tiles (arranged in a 12×12 grid of 16 tile squares), spanning 430 cm × 250 cm (approximately 200-inch diagonal surface). Projection equipment was precisely calibrated to map animated content accurately onto the tiled surface.
Data Analysis: Pre- and post-showcase quantitative surveys were administered (n=120 pre, n=131 post) to capture audience demographics, baseline cultural knowledge, and perceptions of aesthetic appeal, educational value, and engagement with the projection mapping experience.
Key Findings
Creative Outputs: The core deliverable was an immersive multisensory projection mapping showcase that animated digitized traditional tile patterns onto a physical installation of 144 authentic encaustic tiles. Complementary materials extended cultural dissemination, including a 6-poster series, 6 thematic zines, vintage-inspired brochures, recap videos, and branded merchandise (linocut-printed handkerchiefs and enamel pins).digitised
Audience Engagement: The integration of visual arts and projection mapping technology proved highly effective in captivating viewers. Of surveyed attendees, 72.5% rated their overall engagement at the maximum 5/5, while 89.3% described the visual presentation as aesthetically pleasing and impressive.
Educational Impact: The showcase successfully conveyed cultural knowledge, with 84% of respondents affirming its effectiveness in disseminating information about Vietnamese heritage motifs. Notably, 90.8% recognized the substantial potential of projection mapping as a tool for enhancing future museum exhibitions and historical site interpretations.