A Glimpse of My Heritage (Graduation Exhibit)

Treading our way towards the future does not always mean that one has to completely leave the past behind.  Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a look back and see how far one has gone.

This realization has inspired my next project where I have chosen to incorporate traditions to the daily rituals of people.  In the midst of the chaotic offerings of contemporary developments, it is refreshing to retain equilibrium by combining modernity with representations of idylls of the olden days.  Consequently, when the splendor of the past beautifully blends with the adventures of the present, expect a masterpiece of a hopeful future.

This project was part of our graduation exhibit back in 2004 entitled “Glimpse of our Heritage”.  We had to travel back in time to find an artistic link between history and the present.  In the process, before us unfolded a forecast of the future of design.

Our group was assigned to design a children’s bedroom.  We wanted to produce a seminal design, introducing to the public a vision that has never been executed before.  With our imagination in full gear, we were able to give birth to an original model.

On the outset, the outcome of our combined efforts appears to be a typical layout of a bedroom.  A closer look would reveal an inspired design.  The interplay between the light-coloured bedding, the pillowcases with aquatic pattern, and the intermingling yellow and aqua blue paint on the walls established a creative vibe to the whole room.  The South Pacific map etched on the side wall and the collection of seashells added to the room’s fascinating dynamics.  The meticulously positioned canopies above the glass set an interesting twist to the whole room, setting it apart from the common children’s room. 

As seen in the images, we used indigenous materials such as the abaca shades for the glass windows and tikog for the wall panel that serves as the headboard.  We can also see an old cabinet and frame made of locally-crafted coasters.  Vietnamese chairs and Indian knobs accentuate the influence of the Asian culture in the room’s design philosophy.  Above the wall panel hangs a painting showcasing the close bond of families, a distinctive characteristic Filipinos are known for.

Other exceptional details of this room are the wooden tables, a mirror with colourful plastic prints, a droplight hanging on the ceiling, wood beams, Italian lamps, and of course, stuffed toys and (a) straw teddy bear(s). 

All of these details and accents highlighted the youthful eccentricity of this room.  It is perfect for children as it inspires and encourages their innate inclination to go places far beyond their imagination’s reach.