As the global design industry pivots toward more inclusive and culturally grounded creative practices, PSID-Ahlen is celebrating National Culture Consciousness Week by reaffirming its commitment to molding young creatives who are globally competitive yet locally grounded.
Since its founding in 1967, PSID-Ahlen has long empowered students to have a design style rooted in cultural awareness and innovation. This approach continues to define its vision of shaping the future of culturally conscious interior design.
“PSID believes that developing a design style is rooted in identifying, recognizing and applying culture as the core of design identity”, shared Pojie Pambid, PSID-Ahlen’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Having an understanding of cultural identity moves future designers into adapting their own brand of interior design, ingrained in their heritage, culture and history.”
This is reflected in their curriculum, where students are immersed in classes and activities that frame cultural themes not just as subjects but as design challenges. Each plate is an opportunity to conduct research and explore the similarities and differences between varied cultures. Outputs are then molded into a fusion of global and local (glocal) designs.
“PSID always rocks the boat when it comes to giving out design problems”, said Pambid. “The design classes at PSID offer challenges that force students to think creatively. One formula is to always create design challenges that fuses one design style with another.”
From studio projects to exhibits, students are consistently pushed to explore how interior design can reflect, preserve, and evolve cultural narratives. Throughout the years, its students have been curating exhibits that do not only showcase their talent but also break the boundaries of cultural interpretation, material innovation, and spatial storytelling.
In 2013, they have launched “OPM: Obra Para sa Musika” an exhibit that features designs inspired by songs of Filipino musicians. In 2014, “GLOBALSCAPES” booth designs inspired by countries around the world. Most recently, in 2023, “PHusion”, showcased twelve different cultural styles merges with Filipino design sensibilities.
This year, PSID-Ahlen brings its value to life with the upcoming launch of their Designs Of Christmas Exhibit (D.O.C.E.) which showcases the Christmas spirit of Filipino and global cultures through seasonal storytelling, cultural context and design innovation.
