Study the past if you would define the future.”
This saying of Confucius perhaps best sums up last week’s episode of Modern Living TV where we looked into the future of Filipino design. It seems that we are now living in an exciting era for the Philippines where we have moved on from simply copying what is happening elsewhere or purely manufacturing for foreign brands, to creating a whole new aesthetic built on our rich heritage and indigenous craftsmanship. I feel like in this particular realm of architecture, design and décor owning our past is what will propel us to the future.
During our interview with architect and interior design Frenjick Quesada we learned that there is an overall thirst for history. A break from the glossy contemporary or modern minimalist look of the past years. “Right now we are seeing a resurgence of industrial so we see the raw spaces being showcased like pipes, interesting metals and concrete showing up in restaurants and even homes. Aside from that there is also an upcoming trend where I guess people are all tired of the sleek modern items and so we are starting to look at more distressed pieces and combining them with antiques. Now people are looking for more history, more character in the pieces they choose.” Thank goodness! Personally, while I appreciate a nice clean space when done properly, I feel more at home in spaces that have personality. A room that can tell a story.
Local designers have been working hand in hand with the manufacturers over the recent years to create a look that is unique and reflective of the Philippines today. One realization is that our overbearing tropical climate combined with our history and expert craftsmanship make the framework for Philippine design. This is something that was astonishingly clear to me when I went to cover last year’s Design PH booth by CITEM at Maison et Objets in Paris. And I simply just have to quote my thoughts to truly illustrate what I mean.
“Twelve designers come together to create a world of lightness and movement, a suspended energy, a play of shadows, materials and artisanal techniques. There is sculptural edge, nostalgic softness, modern functionality and an ever so slight nod to our local archetypes and motifs. There is an obvious realization that our heritage has so much to do with our overbearing climate. The heat and humidity affect traditional design and craftsmanship. Woven rattan to allow the circulation of air. The idea of letting light but not heat pass through, reminiscent of the old capiz shelled windows. Paired with ingenious new materials and avant-garde design resulting in a beautiful and sensuous effect of indulgent tropical languidness.”
This perception was confirmed during my interview with architect Edwin Enriquez, who feels that this movement towards a modernized past is where we should be heading. “Filipino architecture nowadays is really a mix of different styles. For a certain time everyone was into Mediterranean but now people are moving from traditional Mediterranean to extreme modern.” He feels that this large glass paneled house with clean square lines is not designed for our climate and that we should be marrying elements of traditional Filipino architecture with the best of international design for a style he likes to call “Filipino International.” He further explains that traditional Fillipino elements like the four sided roof, the silong or that elevated space between the main floor and the actual ground floor, the slatted floors, ventanillas, and capiz windows are all designed to adapt to the environment: air circulation, protection against floods by elevation and roof that is aerodynamic on all sides to allow strong winds to glide over. These elements are also more energy efficient and coincide with the rising trend of green architecture. “I hope most architects and designers see the need to move towards that especially since storms are getting stronger and floods are getting higher.”
This is something that is definitely on point especially in the light of recurring and sadly devastating natural disasters. (A topic we are covering in our next episode!) Good design is not just about the superficial aesthetic but most importantly about beauty in utility. Does it have purpose? And incorporating traditional Filipino innovations and adapting it for today’s world seems the right way to go. We can’t move forward without looking back at our past.
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For more on beauty in utility watch last week’s episode online where we also showcase Smart Furniture — stunning décor that serves a practical purpose.
Watch the Modern Living TV segment on Smart Furniture on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR_6jOqFcus.
For the full article on Design PH at last year’s Maison et Objets in Paris visit http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/2013/10/05/1241401/maison-et-objet-filipino-craftsmanship-designing-world.