► Research Motivation - Chimneys without Smoke
Linkou is a new town, and in recent years, its population has been rapidly expanding. What were once fields and flatlands are now covered with tall buildings. Shopping malls and companies have also moved in. However, amidst the bustling streets, one can still see a chimney standing in the wasteland, but without any smoke.
It wasn't until we interviewed local elders and conducted research that we discovered this is a historical monument representing the significant remains of Linkou's brick kiln industry from the past. However, due to industrial development and the planning of the new town, the brick kiln industry has disappeared from Linkou. Therefore, through this research, we hope to commemorate the history of brick kiln development in Linkou.
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► Environmental Advantage - Hometown of Red Earth
Linkou is situated on a tableland, where layers of red earth are abundant. This red earth is one of the components used in making red bricks. The formation of red earth is mostly due to the climate characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall, with distinct dry and rainy seasons. In such an environment, the iron and aluminum in the original rocks or soil undergo weathering, resulting in the formation of "iron oxide, aluminum oxide" microcrystals that adhere to soil particles, giving the soil a reddish-brown color.
After 1895, brick kiln factories emerged due to the construction industry. In order to save transportation costs, they began to establish factories in Linkou. This marked the heyday of the brick kiln industry in Linkou. The towering chimneys became a new landmark in Linkou, transforming this traditional agricultural village, which originally consisted of seventy percent tea gardens, into a production base for red brick factori.
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► Research Framework
We spent two class sessions discussing the thematic framework. Before conducting any data inquiries, the teacher instructed us to list questions related to the brick kiln industry and culture using the 5W1H method. Then, we systematically searched and read online materials to address our queries, aiming to gain a preliminary understanding of the rise and fall of the brick kiln industry in Linkou.
Next, the teacher asked us to categorize the types of questions and come up with four to five major headings, each further divided into several subheadings. After discussion, this research was divided into five major headings: Hometown of Red Earth, History of the Rise and Fall of the Brick Kiln Industry, Disposal and Preservation of Brick Kilns, Innovation in Brick Kiln Culture, and Passing on Brick and Tile Traditions. Finally, we elaborated on each major heading to create a comprehensive and flourishing framework diagram.
After discussing the framework diagram, the teacher informed us that field surveys and interviews were necessary to determine the final structure of our website. We utilized Coggle, a diagramming tool, to organize our thoughts. Its format helps us see things at a glance, enabling us to conduct research more effectively.
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