AS an ode to the vital role of the elders in guiding the younger generations, interior design students recently renovated the parola-inspired senior citizen center of the Magsilay community in Pasil, Kalinga Province.
The project Awakening the Pride of the Olden Hope (APOH), the service-learning initiative of the talents from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) aimed to uplift the well-being and sense of inclusion of the elderlies.
The mural on the façade encapsulates the life of the Magsilay community. Photo from the Awakening the Pride of the Olden Hope team
The budding artists transformed the 44.87-square-meter space into a sanctuary for socials, leisure activities, counseling and storage.
To prioritize the safety and wellness of the users, the students adhered to Batas Pambansa 344, known as the Accessibility Law. They ensured accessible and universal design throughout the center. Key elements include slip-resistant flooring, contrasting colors for wayfinding, and lever handles and grab rails for support.
Nature served as the general design consideration. Familiar elements were incorporated to foster a healing and calming environment, while local and raw materials were used to promote sustainability.
Sawali, a type of traditional woven-split flattened bamboo mat, served as a base for a two-set whiteboard partition for consultation and discussion. Old chapel pews made of solid wood were repurposed into benches and tables to offer a flexible space for conversations, coffee breaks, and activities such as walis-making.
The students likewise combined textures with colors for tactile cues. Handcrafted by Filipino artisans, Machuca cement tiles with vibrant organic patterns were strategically placed on walls and floors of common areas for separation and wayfinders.
A space for social and leisure activities. Photo from the Awakening the Pride of the Olden Hope team
Red, a dominant shade in the native attire of the Magsilay and the traditional clay pots used in their dances, delineates the kitchen and banquette seats. It evokes vigor and boosts a dynamic atmosphere.
The wall finishes, furniture and soft furnishings were cream and beige to emphasize warmth. Hues of blue elicit serenity, while tints of yellow call for happiness and optimism. The touch of pink denotes compassion and comfort.
The team placed wall lamps on all four sides of the exteriors to create a physical manifestation of a guiding light. It likewise emphasized the mural on the façade, which encapsulated the life in Magsilay, from farming to their love for coffee.
They utilized the power of lights and shadows and employed carefully selected interior furnishings, both for functional and decorative purposes. Sheer curtains were added to the casement windows to maximize natural illumination and provide privacy during the day.
The mini-clinic, which is complete with a donated hospital bed and oxygen tanks, was equipped with under-the-cabinet lighting. This allows visibility during medical-related preparation and serves as an accent to enhance relaxation.
The team was mentored by advisers IDr. Randy Pabona and IDr. Karol Ann Antonio. They released a statement describing their vision of “a future where their heritage and values are respected, traditions are celebrated, and their wisdom is honored. As positive makers of change, we channel our social values into this cultural reconnection effort through design, collaboration, and innovation.”
Before the project began, the team conducted a site visit and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to better understand the needs of the beneficiaries. To raise funds for the project, they sold merchandise, organized a campus bazaar with local food and non-food merchants, and hosted a movie screening. A culminating exhibit was likewise held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay to walk the viewers from the conceptualization to the construction phase.
Discover more about the Benilde Interior Design Program at https://www.benilde.edu.ph/undergraduate-interior-design/.
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