After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine School of Interior Design-Ahlen Institute Inc. (PSID-Ahlen) has once again opened its doors to showcase the impressive work of its graduating students.
The exhibition, known as ‘Phusion,’ officially commenced on October 2, 2023, at the Greenfield Tower in Mandaluyong City and will remain accessible to the public throughout the month.
Under the theme of “cross-cultural design,” the institute’s dean, Dr. Carol Peña, articulated the intent behind this exhibition. PSID-Ahlen aims to emphasize the profound influence of culture on interior design and, conversely, how interior design can exemplify culture.
This is artfully achieved through innovative adaptations of various design elements and imaginative reconfigurations of layouts.
The exhibition comprises 12 distinct booths, each representing the culmination of the final requirement for graduation. A total of 44 students participated, organized into groups with a maximum of five members. To ignite their creative sparks, each group was assigned a client, either an individual or a couple, embodying diverse cultures that they were tasked to harmoniously integrate into a unique design for a designated house area. The students took on the financial responsibility, with some support from sponsors.
Filipino x Egyptian: ‘Per Ankh’
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Egyptian symbol “per ankh,” which signifies the “key of life,” this group fashioned a contemporary living space that harmoniously melds Filipino and Egyptian elements, tailored for a newlywed couple.
Filipino x South African: ‘Buhay Ubuntu’
Recognizing shared elements between the Philippines and South Africa, this group designed a dining set for a retired couple, uniting aspects from both cultures to create a personal dining experience.
Filipino x American: ‘Fillenium’
Focusing on Hollywood Regency style, this group transformed a kitchen for a Filipino-American client, infusing it with vibrant colors and Pinoy humor.
Filipino-Nicaraguan: ‘Relajarse’
Crafting a bathroom with a walk-in closet, this group incorporated gold accents and natural materials to reflect their client’s Nicaraguan background and preferences.
Filipino x Brazilian: ‘A Diversao’
Envisioning a lively den, this group juxtaposed Brazilian vibrancy with organic Filipino elements, creating an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.
Filipino-French: ‘L’Amour du Monde Entier’
Blending French spaciousness with Filipino references, this group crafted a design reflecting a supermodel client’s love story that began in Milan, Italy.
Filipino x Scandinavian: ‘Lagom’
Ingeniously merging Filipino and Scandinavian elements, this group curated a captivating dining area with mixed chairs, a daybed, and a dash of Filipino drama.
Filipino-English: ‘A Bachelor’s Tavern’
Designing a British-style kitchen for a Filipino-English rugby player, this group combined the elegance of Chesterfield furniture with a pub-like ambiance.
Filipino-Italian: ‘Semantika’
Inspired by a romantic love story, this group created an opulent bathroom seamlessly fusing Filipino and Italian design elements, offering a unique cultural blend.
Filipino-Australian: ‘Yakka’
Designing an office-cum-den for a studio condo unit, this group drew inspiration from Australian wildlife and the Outback, resulting in an inviting workspace with a hammock.
Filipino-Japanese: ‘Peart of the Orient Meet Prosperity’
Crafting a circular-themed bedroom, this group incorporated elements from both the Philippine and Japanese flags, symbolizing the significance of the number eight in Japanese culture.
Filipino-Persian: ‘Kanlungan’
Designing a cozy bedroom for a client with two kids, this group created a bedroom with two sections, drawing inspiration from Persian floral patterns and Filipino elements like mahogany wood and Bulacan pattern furniture.
The Phusion exhibit at PSID-Ahlen serves as an exceptional platform for these talented students to showcase their creative prowess and demonstrate their ability to seamlessly fuse various cultures into their interior design concepts.
The exhibition will run until the end of October, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the rich tapestry of cross-cultural design.
