Investigating the Impact of Environmental Graphics on Local Culture in Sustainable Rural Cultural Tourism Spaces

Abstract

It is paramount that local cultural sustainability be preserved as China implements its rural revitalization strategy, and the integration and transformation of rural cultural tourism spaces based on this foundation is unprecedented. However, rural cultural tourism spaces face many challenges at present, including a lack of cultural appeal and homogenized spatial expression methods. Environmental graphics, a concept widely utilized in urban branding systems, serve as a novel spatial text that combines both material and immaterial aspects within the extension of brand design systems. Creatively intervening in the shaping of rural cultural tourism spaces, environmental graphics enhance the spatial experience of rural tourism. In this study, we introduced a model that uses an experiential design approach to explore and transform local culture into environmental graphics. Through three application case studies of cultural tourism spaces with diverse cultural backgrounds, this study illustrates how environmental graphics can revitalize the cultural and historical allure of rural heritage by transforming local elements through contemporary language. Moreover, the study aims to further validate its findings through practical applications in future research to convert experiential design into cultural sustainability.