2013 FINE DYING: BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER TO CO-DESIGN…

 

In Harry Potter, whenever Lord Voldemort mentioned “He-who-shall-not-be-named”, suggests that he is dying. Similarly In Chinese culture, it doesn’t really matter how old you are, people are tabooed of using the word “dead” to express themselves or others. However, they feel it is fine to joke about it. In fact, researches have suggested that the afterlife is an issue that concerns many older people. They are not afraid to talk about death but instead are willing to plan their funerals and death rituals, which make themselves feel like completing the full circle of life. 

 

On the other hand, many new technologies have been developed and introduced to the funeral care industry in Hong Kong. Even though many of these technologies have a strong ecological sustainability agenda but some of these new ideas are unacceptable since they fundamentally challenge traditional death rituals and beliefs. For example, bone ashes can be turned into gemstones or even decorative man-made diamonds that can be placed at home, but not many Chinese accept the idea of keeping their ancestors’ remains at home or the idea that somebody they used to know has become a stone. ‘Design. Living & Dying’ study is an attempt to bring everyone together to explore the related issues.