Deng Teng Leon Shih, Jen-hao Chang

Deng Teng Leon Shih

China University of Technology

Taiwan, Taipei

I am an Associate Professor at the Department of Visual Communication Design at China University of Technology and an adjunct Associate Professor at the Graduate Institute of Museum Studies at Taipei National University of the Arts. My research focuses on the art history of Chinese artifacts, digital archiving, museum exhibition design, and cultural heritage preservation. I have extensive research and practical experience in digital interpretation technology and curatorial advocacy. I have served as a technical advisor for numerous government projects and as a professional reviewer and consultant for various museums, academic institutions, and exhibition technology companies.

Jen-hao Chang

Institute of Historical Resources Management

Taiwan, Taipei

I graduated from the Department of Cultural Heritage at the Graduate Institute of Architecture, Chung Yuan Christian University. I have worked for over a decade at the Institute of Historical Resources Management Association, participating in cultural heritage preservation and educational promotion. I have been involved in managing cultural spaces in Dadaocheng and Taipei City, advocating for public awareness through exhibitions and educational activities.

Curatorial Advocacy for the Historical Space of Kikumoto Department Store

The Kikumoto Department Store, opened in 1932, was one of Taiwan's early landmark buildings and the first modern department store. Its uniqueness and cultural value make it a highlight and challenge in curatorial exhibition design. This study introduces "Historical Space Curatorial Advocacy," which proactively initiates preservation strategies before formal recognition. Through professional research, investigation, and planning, the cultural, historical, and social values of the space are identified. Curatorial methods like exhibition planning, educational activities, and publicity inform the public of its significance, attracting attention and resources to promote preservation.
In the Kikumoto Department Store's curatorial design, emphasis is placed on the relationship between spatiality and narrative, preserving the building's original appearance while focusing on interactive and multi-sensory experiences to enhance understanding and perception. Strategies such as contextualized storytelling, simulation, reenactment, and archival research deepen the exhibition content, integrating knowledge from various disciplines for rich, diverse interpretations.
Considering diverse traditions and socio-cultural contexts, cultural sensitivity is maintained in exhibition design, creating narrative environments within diverse backgrounds. Strategies are developed to adapt to different cultural contexts, ensuring the exhibition design reflects and respects diverse traditions and social backgrounds. These techniques highlight the historical significance of the Kikumoto Department Store and provide valuable reference cases for advocacy activities through exhibitions.

Kikumoto Department Store, Historic Building, Curatorial Advocacy, Digital Interpretation