Understanding Chinese Culture and Tradition Through Observation in Chinese Restaurant as a Study Case of Informal Education

摘要

Focused on how the application of Chinese ornaments in interior space, this paper tends to show that a study case based on observation and analysis can be contemporary methods of informal education to share knowledge about Chinese culture and tradition. As one of the oldest culturesin the world, Chinese culture—which consists of literary arts, architecture, and craft—has diverse philosophical interpretations. A Chinese restaurant, as a place to serve traditional Chinese food in public space, visibly holds a strong connection to Chinese culture. Moreover,art can become an attractive method to deliver aesthetic contents of Chinese philosophy, especially its symbolic interpretation. In a typical Chinese restaurant, the connection between art and tradition is represented through the aesthetic elements that act functionally with their specificand unique characteristics. Therefore, these characteristics can be observed and studied in order to enhance further knowledge about Chinese culture. Furthermore, the theoretical aspects of culture and aesthetic design can also expand the perspective of our contemporary society and relatetheir understanding about tradition and ethnicity, especially Chinese culture in Indonesia and other countries.