Culture and Arts in the Modern World

Reconsidering Aesthetic and Ergonomic Aspects in Creating Inclusive Clothing

2025-09-29T17:36:07+03:00

The aim of the article is to systematise and generalise modern approaches to inclusive clothing design that extend beyond the traditional viewing of aesthetics and ergonomics. Results. The analysis confirms the effectiveness of integrating ergonomic principles while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Innovative materials, technologies and design approaches are analysed. They allow to integrate aesthetics and ergonomics, creating functional and attractive solutions for modern life. This research makes it possible to systematise and generalise modern strategies in designing inclusive clothing that go beyond the usual combination of aesthetics and ergonomics. Principles of inclusive design that promote the development of clothing accessible to a wide range of consumers without compromising style are identified. Scientific novelty. For the first time, it is systematically grounded that modern inclusive clothing should be not only functional but also a complete aesthetic and ergonomic product. This represents leaving established practices where aesthetics often yielded to functionality. The offered ach ensures a harmonious balance of these aspects. Additionally, innovative design strategies that utilise advanced materials, technologies and design approaches in creating clothing for people with disabilities are generalised and classified. The principles of inclusive design are substantiated and formulated, promoting the development of universally accessible and appealing clothing for a wide range of consumers, including people with disabilities, without style or functionality compromising. Conclusions. The study reveals that innovative materials, technologies and design approaches are fundamental to the development of inclusive clothing. The use of smart fabrics, 3D printing, seamless techniques, as well as principles of modularity and transformation, allows to create clothing that adapts to the unique users’ needs. A high degree of personalisation is not merely desired but a necessary element, ensuring maximum comfort and functionality. The practical significance of this study grounds on the development of specific tools and recommendations that enable the creation of inclusive clothing that is simultaneously functional, aesthetic and competitive.

Using of Project Based Learning while Creating an Interior Information Model at Interactive Design Course

2025-09-29T17:43:10+03:00

The aim of the article is to study how project-based learning can be applied while learning building information modelling software. Results. It is found out that the project method appliance stimulates a high level of student engagement in the learning process. Although, compared to the mechanistic approach, it requires more mental and emotional resources from a teacher. It is associated with a systematic switching of attention and a non-linear sequence of actions. At the same time, a high level of autonomy while decision-making and an ability to consistently implement one's own creative idea become an effective and efficient trigger for mastering an appropriate software. Additionally, a demonstration of information modelling possibilities becomes a catalyst for interest in this technology. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its interdisciplinary pedagogical framework that integrates project-based learning with building information modelling for interior design education, addressing gaps in both curriculum development and practical skills transfer. Conclusions. This research emphasises the importance of student autonomy in selecting design objects within the framework of project-based learning, which significantly enhances engagement, enthusiasm, and creativity among learners. However, this approach necessitates considerable efforts and emotional investment from educators, who are required to facilitate the learning process without imposing predetermined solutions. Furthermore, the study identifies a disparity in the implementation of building information modelling with private institutions demonstrating greater adoption compared to their public counterparts. This finding highlights the urgent need for the integration of building information modelling across all project scales, from the student level, as well as to catalyse a global paradigm shift in design education. Additionally, the establishment of a structured task breakdown is crucial for delineating clear learning outcomes, thereby, enabling students to effectively develop modern design solutions utilising appropriate software tools.

Role of Culture in Transformation Processes of the Fashion Industry Ecosystem

2025-09-29T17:53:57+03:00

The aim of the article is to determine the influence of culture on the sustainability aspects of the fashion industry. To define this influence, an ecosystem approach is applied, where a three-level hierarchy of ecosystems represents the fashion industry. The top level of this hierarchy is made up of international organisations, funds and global brands of the fashion industry. The middle level is represented by state organisations and national-level enterprises. The low level includes entrepreneurial ecosystems of the fashion industry. Results. The fashion industry ecosystem is classified as an artificial socio-cultural system. To ground the correctness of the ecosystem approach application to the analysis of the fashion industry transformation processes, a comparative analysis of natural and socio-cultural ecosystem aspects is carried out. The analysis reveals similarities and differences in the mechanisms of ecosystem functioning. Analogues of concepts, aspects and factors of influence for natural and artificial ecosystems are identified. It is shown that culture plays a goal-setting role within the fashion industry ecosystem. Additionally, it has a homeostatic potential, due to which it has a regulating effect on the transformation processes of the fashion industry into a sustainable ecosystem. The scientific novelty consists in determining the impact of culture on all aspects of the fashion industry sustainability. The set of aspects of the fashion industry sustainability includes economic, environmental, technological, socio-cultural, art-aesthetic and administrative factors. From the ecosystem approach standpoint, it is determined that culture is capable of becoming a catalyst for the release of the lost efficiency hidden potential, which is determined by the difference between the physical and moral aging of a fashion product. Conclusions. It is shown that the homeostatic potential of culture can be realised by influencing the harmonious ordering of the ecosystem participant’s actions towards achieving sustainable development goals. The action mechanism of culture as a catalyst for the release of the efficiency potential consists in shaping public opinion and stimulating independent ecosystem subjects to adopt a strategy of the rational wardrobe construction by fashion manufacturers and people.

Design of the Subject-Spatial Environment of the Hutsul Region: Impact of Ethnocultural Traditions

2025-09-29T17:59:01+03:00

The aim of the article is to analyse tendencies and peculiarities of grounding a spatial image of modern interiors of various purpose, designed on the basis of ethnocultural traditions of the Hutsul region. Results. Attention is focused on the synthesis of different objects of subject design as a means of aesthetic and compositional formation of interior space. Within the framework of the conducted expeditionary research, factual and photo illustrative material was collected, representing contemporary and authentic interior spaces of private estates and public spaces. A comparative analysis of the style direction in projecting interiors decorated in the ethnodesign style is carried out. Particular attention is paid to figurative and formal peculiarities of ethnocultural decor elements that determine the visual and symbolic identity of space. Scientific novelty. For the first time, using the example of the Hutsul region, the modern interior environment in the ethno style is analysed as a significant factor in the ethnic group’s identity. By comparing projects of private estates and public spaces, the specificity of interior decoration using the subject design on the motifs of ethnocultural heritage is substantiated. Conclusions. In the design of the interior environment of the Hutsul region, there is a tendency to apply motifs of folk ethnocultural heritage, adapted to modern spatial and functional demands. A desire to ground a harmonious, aesthetic and meaningful image is revealed. It is distinguished by restraint and stylistic consistency, in contrast to typical options for overloading space with vintage elements. A promising direction for further research is the analysis of design solutions in the interiors of public, cultural and educational facilities.

Sign-Associative Language of Modern Visual Arts Practice in the Context of Interior Design

2025-09-29T18:06:10+03:00

The aim of the article is to identify, analyse and systematise methods and means of sign-associative language of modern visual practices of fine arts. Results. On the basis of the conducted structural analysis of the theoretical background, means of sign-associative language of modern visual practices of fine arts, which are based on communication, decoding, structural and organisational principles, are identified. Based on the results of the analysis, methods of sign-associative language of fine arts with their instrumental components — associative, analogy, metaphor, syncretism, mythologising, semantics — are defined and systematised. According to the obtained results, an approach is formed for the practical implementing the methods of sign-associative language of fine arts in the design of interior space, which is based on the structural sequence of semiotic analysis. The scientific novelty of the research grounds on the comprehensive analysis, clear definition and systematic structuring means and methods of the sign-associative language of modern visual practices of interior space. For the first time, an innovative strategy for its application is developed, based on the principles of semiotic analysis and methodologically consistent use of defined means and methods in art design. Conclusions. As a result, it is found out that the sign-associative language of visual practices of fine arts in interior design can be formed as a structural project methodology and is based on the capabilities of certain methods, tools and their functional components. The results of the study confirm the importance of using sign-associative language for forming an interior environment with an expressive artistic image and high ideological content. The perspective of further research is to conduct a deeper analysis of the visual possibilities of the sign-associative language and interior design in order to scientifically determine their interaction in modern visual arts practice.

Biophilic Approach in Forming the Landscape Design of Urban Coastal Parks

2025-09-29T18:11:26+03:00

The aim of the article is to study peculiarities of implementing a biophilic approach in the formation of the landscape design of urban coastal parks in China, as well as to identify key tools that determine features of their artistic and spatial solution. Results. The analysis of design solutions of modern Chinese urban coastal parks (Changsha Riverside Park, Shenzhen Bao’an Waterfront Cultural Park and Xinghe Mingzhu Bay Park) demonstrates a holistic and multifaceted implementation of biophilic design principles in the landscape environment. It is found out that design based on a biophilic approach grounds on the close interaction of a newly created environment with natural forms, structures and processes. Such an approach involves the formation of images that interpret nature but not reproduce it literally, which contributes to the emergence of emotional connections between a human and space, reducing stress and improving the environment quality. In coastal parks, where the natural landscape and water spaces are an important element of the project object, the appliance of biophilic means ensures not only the preservation of unique ecosystems, but also the disclosure of their potential for organising a certain public space. The scientific novelty lies in generalising and systematising means of implementing biophilic design in coastal landscape conditions. This study comprehensively characterises the specifics of form creation, emphasises topographical adaptation as a factor of spatial organisation and substantiates the role of visual-associative and material expressiveness as means of forming a biophilic environment. The obtained results expand the understanding of biophilic design as an interdisciplinary category of architecture, design and landscape projecting. Conclusions. The conducted analysis confirms that the biophilic approach in projecting the coastal parks in China is implemented via a set of means aimed at interpreting natural forms, adapting to topography, integrating landscaping, using natural materials and local images. Such a design forms harmonious interconnections between a human and natural environment, improves the ecological quality of the space and defines new guidelines for the sustainable development of urban landscapes.

Ukrainian Archaeological Opera Chornobyldorf in the Context of the Development of the Opera Aperta Genre and Modern Musical-Performative Experiments

2025-09-29T14:15:43+03:00

The aim of the article is to interpret the musical dramaturgy of the Ukrainian archaeological opera Chornobyldorf in the context of the development of the opera aperta genre and musical-performative experiments from the late 20th to the first quarter of the 21st centuries. Results. The article studies the musical dramaturgy of the Ukrainian archaeological opera in seven novels of Chornobyldorf by I. Razumeiko and R. Hryhoriv. The artistic world of this work includes microtonal harmonies, usage of ancient folk instruments, mix of Christian mass fragments with pantheistic rituals and polyphonic folk songs, musical-performative realisation of opera in various forms (staged, visual-cinematographic, virtual reality). The opera’s musical language creates a sense of deep polyphony of sounds and tones in the postmodern world. Musical harmony is conveyed a syncretism of music, dance and poetry, all interpreted and sounded with the use of modern technologies. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the musical dramaturgy of the Ukrainian archaeological opera Chornobyldorf is placed at the centre of the scientific analysis. This is especially relevant concidering the lack of existing musicological works dedicated to the tendencies in the development of new Ukrainian opera. Conclusions. The opera Chornobyldorf by I. Razumeiko and R. Hryhoriv is a Ukrainian content, created in the context of modern European and world stage-performative experiments. In its concept, direction, ideas, musical dramaturgy (microtonality, use of unusual instruments, genre diversity of musical material, etc.) and stage experiments (including the principle of expanding stage space and light dramaturgy), Chornobyldorf presents a modern operatic format of opera aperta (“open work,” open form, open perception) with its defining peculiarity — an open final, allowing the creators to endlessly move in exploring various paths toward a conclusion.

A Concertmaster’s Interpretation of Vocal Cycles Seven Poems of Frederico Garcia Lorca and Two Poems of Jun Takami by Bohdan Siuta

2025-09-29T14:40:51+03:00

The aim of the article is to highlight peculiarities of artistic and musical interpretation of vocal works by the Ukrainian composer Bohdan Siuta to the words of foreign poets in the aspect of a concertmaster’s performance. Results. Features of the composer’s interpreting of the interaction of poetic and musical texts, as well as their understanding and transmission by the concertmaster-performer are revealed. A hermeneutic approach to understanding the content of vocal cycles grounds on the aesthetics of symbolism of Federico Garcia Lorca’s and Jun Takami’s poems. Musical-expressive and pianistic means by which the composer conveys his artistic interpretation of literary texts are characterised. One of the main components of reproducing the essence of poetic fundamentals are the genre and style peculiarities of compositions, sound representation, the master’s individual harmonic language, formative features of romances. The interaction between the piano presentation and the vocal ground is highlighted. It is determined that the melodic performance of the soloists is characterised by declamation and recitativeness. At the same time, the pianistic texture of the accompaniment is marked by sound colourful illustration. Delving deeper into these musical components of the romances should become an interpretive reference point for concertmasters during the stage performance. Scientific novelty. For the first time in modern national musicology, a performance analysis of B. Siuta’s vocal works as models of the Ukrainian chamber-vocal cycle, based on the poems of world poets of the 20th century, is carried out. The aspects of musical interpretation that can be useful for accompanists-practitioners in their practical activity are outlined. Conclusions. It is grounded that the plot and sense dimension of the poetic basis of the vocal cycles Seven Poems of Federico Garcia Lorca and Two Poems of Jun Takami by B. Siuta model the choice of the artistic and musical means based on neo-romantic stylistic principles and symbolic images. The performance components of vocal parts and piano accompaniments, which can become a basis for creating an individual concertmaster’s interpretive model, are grounded.

Zulu Traditional Music in the context of uMkhosi woMhlanga Ceremony: Historical and Cultural Analysis

2025-09-29T17:22:26+03:00

The aim of the article is to study and bring awareness about the influence of Zulu Traditional Music on uMkhosi woMhlanga ceremony among the amaZulu Tribe. Results. Also known as the Reed Dance ceremony, uMkhosi woMhlanga ceremony holds a special place in the hearts of amaZulu. At its core, this ceremony engages young Zulu maidens presenting reeds to the Zulu king as a symbol of purity and respect. Such ceremonial activities are intimately interwoven with Zulu traditional music, which consists of melodious vocal chants, captivating rhythmic drumming, and the distinct tones of indigenous instruments. Scientific novelty. Even though the significance of Zulu traditional music within uMkhosi woMhlanga ceremony is undeniable, minimal studies have been conducted on this topic. The underpinning methodology of this article is the qualitative research approach. Human subjects or interview participants were not used in this article because it is a literature-based research (a desktop study). Literary sources are adequate for the purposes of acquiring and analysing non-numerical data. Conclusions. The findings of this study reveal that Zulu traditional music in the context of uMkhosi woMhlanga ceremony is far more than an artistic form. It is a living heritage that bridges generations, unites communities, and safeguards the spirit of the amaZulu Tribe. The influence of Zulu traditional music on uMkhosi woMhlanga ceremony among the amaZulu Tribe illuminates the profound interplay between music, culture and community.

Research on the Influence of Intangible Cultural Heritage on Intercultural Exchanges between Ukraine and Poland

2025-09-29T13:23:43+03:00

The aim of the article is to analyse the historical formation of the regions’ cultural heritage, mutual influences and peculiarities of actualising intercultural connections at the present stage in order to preserve the identity of the two neighboring Ukrainian and Polish peoples. Results. The issues of cooperation between two well-known in the ethno-space regions of Ukraine and Poland are studied — the Hutsul region (the Kosiv region) and the village of Zalipie with the adjacent centres of the Tarnow County of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. During 2014–2019, a number of common field expeditions to the centres were conducted, historical and factual materials were collected, scientific conferences and exhibitions of creative achievements and artifacts were organised and held. Special attention is paid to current cultural exchange relations regarding strategies and means of preserving ethnic traditions by both carriers and state institutions. Scientific novelty. The analysis and comparison of the development aspects of two cultures are carried out — Kosiv painted ceramics (Ukraine) and Zalipie painting (Poland); the perspectives of interconnections in the socio-cultural space are outlined (it will contribute to strengthening of friendly relations, respecting bearers of elements of the intangible cultural heritage in Poland and Ukraine, popularising of traditions, spreading of a dialogue and transfer of knowledge to future generations). Conclusions. The conducted research confirms the significance of the cultural dialogue between the Hutsul region and Zalipie as a factor in preserving the ethnic identity and intangible cultural heritage. The interaction of scientists, craftsmen and institutions creates a ground for deepening intercultural ties and ensures the sustainability of traditions in modern globalised world.

Transformation of Ukrainian Event Industry under Martial Law Conditions

2025-09-29T13:41:13+03:00

The aim of the article is to analyse transformation peculiarities of Ukrainian event industry under martial law conditions and to outline specific features of its development within the national socio-cultural space. Results. The article studies main directions of changes in the event industry during the wartime: new approaches to safety (location selection, arrangement of shelters, evacuation routes, backup energy sources and principles of inclusivity); organisation of charitable events and volunteer initiatives. This research analyses examples of events held in Ukraine between 2022–2025 and considers the phenomenon of the “donation economy”, which enabled such events to take place. The article also provides unique eyewitness accounts of holding events under the martial law conditions. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the transformations in the Ukrainian event industry during the Russian-Ukrainian war is conducted. Conclusions. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the event industry in Ukraine has become an important instrument of resource mobilisation, cultural diplomacy and societal resilience. Large scale events (concerts, festivals, auctions, international tours, etc.) are aimed at supporting the military and volunteer initiatives while attracting the attention of the global community to this war. Ensuring safety and inclusivity has become an obligatory condition for organising events. The therapeutic function of events has contributed to collective trauma recovery. Contemporary Ukrainian events combine cultural expression with the functions of the national unity, communication and resistance to aggression grounding new standards and practices in socio-cultural space.

Archiving Virtual Culture: Problems, Challenges and Preservation Strategies

2025-09-29T13:53:10+03:00

The aim of the article is to analyse problems and challenges of archiving virtual culture, including social networks, game worlds, digital art, VR/AR and AI-generated content, with an emphasis on their ephemerality and cultural value; to assess preservation approaches within an interdisciplinary culturological context. Results. It is found that a “digital dark age” problem is a real and inevitable challenge for modern cultural studies. A rapid flow of the digital content, its dependence on commercial platforms and technical obsolescence lead to a systematic data loss, confirmed by numerous examples of disappearing websites, online communities and game artifacts. This study proves that traditional archiving methods are insufficient for preserving the dynamic and interactive virtual culture. The scientific novelty grounds on the comprehensive culturological analysis of the “digital dark age” issue, which views digital artifacts as a full-fledged part of modern cultural heritage. The research grounds that the loss of digital data is not only a technical problem but also a process of destruction of social memory and societal values, which requires appliance of an interdisciplinary approach to their preservation. It is offered to consider the archiving of virtual culture as a fundamental mission of modern humanities, which involves a synthesis of cultural studies, information technologies, and social anthropology. Conclusions. The necessity in expanding the concept of “cultural heritage” and applying innovative approaches to its preservation is proved. The interdisciplinary models are promising: they combine blockchain, decentralised storage and active participation of user communities. Preventing the “digital dark age” requires not only technological solutions but also a rethinking of responsibility for preserving a unique evidence of creativity and collective memory of modernity.

Lithuanian Higher Technical School in the Context of Emigration: Formation, Activity, Heritage

2025-09-29T14:10:17+03:00

The aim of the article is to study the activity of Lithuanian architects and engineers in the adult education sphere, while living in German displaced persons camps. The results of this study reveal that although architects in the refugee camps were cut off from the usual working and living conditions, as well as had no opportunities to realise themselves in designing buildings, still, their professional activity was not interrupted. One of the most important priorities was the organisation of studies and the preparation of the young generation. In exile, architects formed the Union of Lithuanian Exiled Engineers, published various types of specialised press, organised architectural congresses, polemicised on the issues of the reconstruction of Lithuania, lectured and created education institutions. The Lithuanian Higher Technical School in Nürtingen, based on the higher school that was founded in Kaunas during the times of independent Lithuania, is chosen as a case study. Conclusions. A few years spent in refugee camps did not become a period of complete professional pause. The direction which had begun in interwar Lithuania was not completely interrupted during the war and the post-war period, but was modified by political and economic circumstances. Even without having normal working conditions, architects and engineers formed societies and created institutions. One of the first such institutions was the Lithuanian Higher Technical School in Nürtingen. Future professionals were trained there and in the schools that followed. They all firmly hoped soon to be able to return to a newly free Lithuania and take care of its reconstruction. Therefore, the higher technical schools became a link between the qualifications and skills acquired between the wars, a period in the displaced persons camp and a new phase of emigration. Even during harsh circumstances, Lithuanians managed to maintain professional connections and partly architectural practices. This also helped in the later Lithuanian emigration to the United States.

Transformation of Expressive and Stylistic Means of the Landscape Genre in the Japanese Photography of the 1900s–1920s

2025-09-29T18:22:21+03:00

The aim of the article is to define tendencies in the transformation of expressive and stylistic means in the Japanese landscape photography of the specified period, based on the analysis of archives of the Japanese landscape photography of the 1900s–1920s. Results. A stylistic transformation of the landscape genre, as well as a passing from the documentary fixation to expressive artistic solutions during the 1900s, are revealed on the example of Kurokawa Suizan’s works. A stylistic stabilisation of the landscape genre which started acquiring moderate expressiveness in the 1910s is grounded. Implementing small-format cameras in the 1910s is analysed using the example of Makoto Yoshino’s creativity, which has contributed to the compositional means’ expansion. The onset of stylistic shifts in the landscape genre during the 1920s under the influence of Constructivist tendencies is revealed on the example of Okubo Koroku’s practice. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the Ukrainian art history, an analysis of the transformation of expressive and stylistic means in the Japanese landscape photography of the 1900s–1920s is conducted. The European pictorialism assimilation and its synthesis with traditional Japanese painting is traced in the aspect of Kurokawa Suizan’s creativity in the 1900s. Materials concerning the influence of Constructivism on the landscape photography development in the 1920s are applied in the scientific circulation. Conclusions. The transformation of expressive and stylistic means in the Japanese landscape photography during the 1900s–1920s highlights a complex interplay between traditional aesthetics, European artistic influences and technical innovations. The 1900s were marked by the adaptation of the European pictorialist principles and their synthesis with the aesthetic basis of monochrome suiboku-ga painting, which led to the formation of a specific arsenal of expressive means. In the second half of the 1920s, under the influence of the Constructivist movement, active experiments with the compositional organisation of the frame and figurative expression means are observed. So, over the course of the 1900s–1920s, the Japanese landscape photography evolved from documentary fixing into an autonomous artistic direction that synthesised Western and national traditions, gradually securing its place in the Japanese cultural discourse.