Nippon Paint, PIID and UAP dare design students to push the boundaries of future living

What will the house and community of the future be like?

With the increasing concern about climate change, sustainability and a movement toward low- or zero-carbon emissions in everyday life, Nippon Paint, Asia’s number one coatings manufacturer, dare Filipino design students to push the boundaries for future living through the annual Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NYPDA).

Launched in 2008, the NYPDA started off with just Malaysia and has now expanded to  nine (9) other countries including the Philippines and Hongkong this year. For the local leg of the competition, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines sought the support of two of the most reputable and leading design institutions — the Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID) and the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) — to start the ball rolling.

The NPYDA has two categories: architecture and interior design; both open to students who are at least on their third year, from schools affiliated with the UAP and the PIID.

“The NYPDA is a good venue for Filipino architecture and design students to showcase their craft,” enthuses architect Rogelio Caringal, national president of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. “Competitions like this help mould, not just the character but the design sensibilities of the participants. Likewise, the support they’ve been getting from their respective schools and universities further boost their confidence and morale.”

According to Caringal, design students should take advantage of joining international design competitions like NYPDA to expose themselves to international trends and to further hone their craft.

“Sadly, none existed during our time. Oh, things would have been different. There would be competitions only during our school’s foundation day. When you win, it gives you a different high. Kahit walang cash prize, okay lang. What’s important is that you gave your best shot and made your adviser proud,” adds Caringal.

With the NYPDA, the students are getting more excited and motivated simply because aside from the P50,000 cash prize, the Gold Awardee will also receive a six-month internship at Lor Calma & Partners, plus a fully paid trip to Japan for the Japan Learning Program, an exclusive workshop crafted specially for winners, featuring internationally renowned speakers in the fields of architecture and interior design.

“This competition would really expose our students to the international arena since the local winners will be pitted against the winners from other Asean countries. What’s also nice about the NYPDA is that the organizers don’t set too much rules; they give the students freedom to plan and execute their designs and just let their creative juices flowing,” notes architect Maria Benita Regala, national president of the United Architects of the Philippines.

JUST BUILD IT

With the belief that the ability to break convention and boundaries is found in the minds of the young, Nippon Paint continues to nurture and develop young talent through the annual Nippon Paint Young Designer Award.

With the theme “Re:Think, Re:Create Our Community, Our Home” as their guiding principle, the competition challenges participating students to create a township that is community-centric and sustainable, providing a high-quality of life for both young and old, from every walks of life.

“I hope to see out-of-the-box, green solutions to climate change and all kinds of natural disasters. I hope the students are more aware of these things now, especially after typhoon Yolanda. They should be thinking more in terms of creating a greener environment and developing a resilient community. Also, differently abled people should be considered in planning these communities,” says Regala. “They should also think of sustainability not just in terms of physical development, but also in the way people live.”

Using indigenous materials, says architect Rogelio Caringal, is also key in creating a sustainable community.

“There are building products you’d find only here in the Philippines. For example, there are farm implements that could be used as décor, or indigenous materials that can be transformed into a door, floor or ceiling. They (students) should think out of the box, be resourceful and find something that would make their entries special or unique. And since NYPDA is an international design competition, that would give our students an edge,” explains Caringal.

Colors are likewise vital when it comes to aesthetics.

“You may have the right proportion, the correct scaling and theme, but everything will fall apart if you use the wrong color scheme,” adds Caringal.

Colors that beautify your home and care for the environment are definitely a great choice. Nippon Paint’s Green Choice Series comprises of water-based, no added lead and mercury, and near-zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) coatings. VOC refers to harmful chemicals that vaporise into gasses at room temperature which contributes to air pollution and various health problems.

A greener environment — that’s how Nippon Paint envisions the future. And with less than a month before the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2014 awarding ceremonies, the company, including architects Caringal and Regala, are excited to get a glimpse of what our future homes and communities should be. I think the result of this competition will be too big, too suburban and too smart. But for sure it will be fun.  

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You may check out www.nipponpaint.ph to discover more about Colors.