justanotherdesignstudent

[justanotherdesignstudent]

Philippines and the Sustainable Movement

In recent years, the Philippines has been actively pursuing sustainability initiatives across various sectors to mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization and economic growth. As the nation faces challenges related to building regulations, financial practices, and interior design, it is crucial to explore how these areas contribute to the overall sustainable movement. In this blog entry, we will delve into the Philippine Building Code's response to sustainability, the country's transition from a linear economy to embracing the circular economy, and the pivotal role of interior designers in promoting sustainability.

The Philippine Building Code and Its Response to Sustainability

The Philippine Building Code, a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations, plays a vital role in shaping the country's infrastructure landscape. Historically, the code primarily focused on safety and structural integrity, paying limited attention to environmental concerns. However, the growing awareness of climate change and resource depletion prompted the need for a more sustainable onstruction approach.

In response to these challenges, the Philippine Building Code underwent significant revisions and updates, incorporating sustainable practices and green building principles. These changes introduced more stringent requirements to improve the efficiency of building performance through a framework of standards that will enhance sound environmental and resource management to counter harmful gases, throughout the building’s life cycle, including efficient use of sustainable materials, site selection, planning, design, construction, use, occupancy, operation, and maintenance, without a significant increase in cost. (Department of Public Works and Highways, 2015, 1) The code emphasizes the adoption of sustainable site planning, encouraging architects and developers to consider factors like biodiversity preservation, green spaces, and accessibility to public transportation. These measures aim to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings and promote sustainable urban development.

The Philippine Economy on its Linear to Circular Economy Movement

For years, the Philippines, like many other nations, followed a linear economic model, where resources are extracted, utilized, and discarded after use. This approach has resulted in significant waste generation and environmental degradation. However, a transformative shift towards a circular economy has gained momentum in recent times. 

Image credit: Circulo

The circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption by promoting a closed-loop system. In this model, resources are reused, refurbished, or recycled, minimizing waste and extending their lifespan. As a developing country with a growing consumer base, embracing circular practices becomes even more critical for the Philippines. Government policies and private sector initiatives have started to align with circular economy principles. Recycling programs have expanded, and waste-to-energy projects have been implemented to harness the potential of waste as a resource. Additionally, product design and manufacturing are gradually transitioning to incorporate cradle-to-cradle principles, ensuring that materials are recoverable and reusable. While challenges persist, such as changing consumer mindsets and improving waste management infrastructure, the Philippines' shift towards a circular economy is a promising step towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The Role of Interior Designers in the Sustainable Movement

Interior designers wield considerable influence in shaping the aesthetics and functionality of spaces. Their choices significantly impact energy consumption, material usage, and overall sustainability of buildings. Recognizing this influence, interior designers in the Philippines are increasingly embracing sustainable practices. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, interior designers contribute to reducing a building's environmental impact. They advocate for the use of recycled or upcycled furnishings, promoting responsible consumption and waste reduction. Additionally, natural lighting and ventilation strategies are incorporated to reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning, decreasing energy consumption. Moreover, interior designers collaborate with architects and developers to create spaces that prioritize occupant well-being and productivity. Biophilic design principles are embraced, integrating nature into indoor spaces, which has been shown to enhance mental health and productivity. As sustainability becomes a central aspect of design briefs, interior designers and future interior designers, such as myself, in the Philippines play a pivotal role in driving the sustainable movement forward.

Conclusion

The Philippines is navigating a path toward sustainability, redefining its building regulations, economic practices, and design approaches to create a greener future. The revisions to the Philippine Building Code signal a positive shift towards environmentally conscious construction, while the transition to a circular economy aims to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization. We interior designers, as change agents, are embracing sustainable practices, influencing the way buildings are designed and spaces are utilized. As a nation, collective efforts from policymakers, businesses, and individuals will determine the success of these sustainability endeavors. By making conscious choices in construction, economic activities, and design, the Philippines can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

References

Benjamin, A. (2023, January 16). ELEVENTH HOUR: Turning the wheels of the circular economy in the Philippines. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/02/eleventh-hour-turning-the-wheels-of-the-circular-economy-in-the-philippines/

Department of Public Works and Highways. (2015, June). Philippine Green Building Code. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/sites/default/files/laws_codes_orders/PgbcBooklet23March.pdf

He, L. (n.d.). How Can Interior Designer Contribute Towards Sustainability - RTF. RTF | Rethinking The Future. Retrieved July 27, 2023, from https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/interior-design/a683-how-can-interior-designer-contribute-towards-sustainability/

[justanotherdesignstudent]

If These Walls Could Talk, Reflection

Undoubtedly, our final task in the course was the most challenging one yet. We were tasked with proposing an art installation and creating a scaled model of our design. Despite the challenges, I was able to apply what I've learned in the past few months, as well as my personal experiences, to create a concept that I am truly proud of.

Throughout the process of creating my concept, I found myself reflecting on my memories and experiences. It was a moment of contemplation that allowed me to appreciate how much I've grown and how far I've come. I realized that time is fleeting and that every moment should be savored and cherished, as it won't last forever. This realization made me value everything good that has happened to me, both big and small. It's what makes life beautiful and worth living.

I was thrilled to see my concept come to life in the scaled model I created. It was a fulfilling experience to see my vision take shape and become a tangible piece of art. This task has challenged me in so many ways and taught me valuable skills that I know will serve me well in the future.

Overall, this final task was an incredible experience that allowed me to reflect on my personal growth and appreciate the present moment. I'm grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful and look forward to future challenges that will push me even further.

[justanotherdesignstudent]

What is art? What is beauty?

The very first activity we had in our course, Applied Theories and Principles of Aesthetics, was to share our thoughts on a sculpture entitled "The Fountain" by French avant-garde artist and founder of the Dadaist movement Marcel Duchamp. It is celebrated to be an iconic piece, a game-changer in art that overturned existing art standards. We were asked about our perception of art and beauty. We had to identify whether this piece was art to us, if it was beautiful for us, and if we'd buy it. Each and every one of us had different opinions and perceptions of the art piece.

For a piece to be considered art, it had to be recognized as art by society. On the other hand, beauty depends on the person who sees or experiences the piece. Some people may find it beautiful, and others may not. As for the piece's value, it also really depends on how the person perceives it. Everyone has their own opinions, and we can't change that. There will always be people who may see "The Fountain" as a valuable piece of art they would want to collect, and there will always be people who will see "The Fountain" as a vandalized urinal turned upside down.

[justanotherdesignstudent]

Reflecting on a Film Critique

We studied about film theory recently and had another activity where we had to write a critique on a film. I chose to critique on the film, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, adapted by Charlie Kaufman. I had two realizations while reflecting on our topic about film theory.

Initially, when film theory was introduced in our class, I was confused why it would be relevant for us to study it as we were interior design students. Studying film theory wasn't just for us to develop a deeper appreciation for the movies we watch. Our professor made us realize that the idea of narratives and metaphors, the manipulation of the mis-en-scene is something we could translate into interior design. When we create interior settings, we could apply these to create a space for narratives to take place and unfold.

While writing the critique, I realized how much a setting can affect a movie. The lighting, the color, the sounds, the space, all these can set the tone and mood of a film. When applied to an interior setting, it can affect how people feel and think in a space. If a space is dark and gloomy, people will feel trapped. If a space is light and airy, on the other hand, they will feel more free and relaxed.

[justanotherdesignstudent]

"Intensity": A Photo Essay Reflection

For our midterms, we were tasked to make a photo essay with the theme of "Intensity", to be exact, intense emotions we had experienced. We needed 5-7 pictures and a one page essay that explains our experience and correlation of these pictures to the concepts we learned from class of either Catharsis or Sublime. From my understanding, catharsis is the purging or relief of negative emotions, on the other hand, sublime is the conversion of negative emotions to positive emotions.

I reused the same experience I mentioned in the last activity which involved the emotion of anger. I mentioned an experience where I got so angry, humiliated, and frustrated after I was humiliated by a teacher. I then explained how I processed these intense emotions and how I coped with them. After that I took and found pictures I took that correspond to catharsis or the process of relief of the intense emotions I was feeling.

After submitting and reflecting on this assessment for this blog, I realized the concept of catharsis was not the only concept I could apply to my experience. The concept of sublime was also present because I realized how thankful and happy I am to have friends who were there for me. I am so lucky to have people who understand and love me for who I am, and I am forever grateful for that.

[justanotherdesignstudent]

Understanding Beauty Activity Reflection

Our class had an activity called Understanding Beauty where we had to reflect on three life experiences, recall our emotions, and how we processed them. We had to discuss our experiences about expectation vs reality, intense emotion, and an overwhelming feeling, sensation or an object encountered that we find overwhelming or awe-inspiring. Additionally, we had to add visual representations of how we felt.

I recalled many positive and negative emotions and the activity left me with mixed-feelings. One of them was about joy, another was about anger, and the last was about the feeling of being mesmerized. I had quite a difficult time recalling how I processed these emotions at these different times and I did a lot of reflecting as well. 

I came up with a conclusion after reflecting on these emotions, our lives are beautiful because of these emotions. Whether these emotions are positive or negative, all of them bring color to our lives. Humans are beings capable of feeling and comprehending these complex responses and I think it is amazing. Despite the ups and downs in life, these negative emotions help us appreciate the positive emotions we experience that make our lives worth living, and that is how I understand the beauty of these emotions.

[justanotherdesignstudent]

Ways of Seeing, Episode 1 Reflection

Hello reader! This is my first academic blog, and it's about my reflection of Ways of Seeing episode one by John Berger, how it made me think about my context, the meanings of my style, and art in general. 

The video talks about what paintings have been lost and gained since the invention of cameras. Paintings became accessible to the public and made connections of different experiences easier with art. The downside was that paintings lost their value to replication. 

Before, I wondered why I couldn’t appreciate art the same way the people of the past did. I thought of it as something that's just there and believed that it‘s valuable because others said so. After watching this video, I realized that nowadays, art is easily accessible and it is something common. I also realized that we’re easily influenced as children and believe ideas that were instilled into us as facts we don’t question.

Reproductions distort images of the painting and its meaning. Berger proved that cameras can manipulate and change the meaning of what you see on a painting by showing fragments of a painting, adding sound, movement, order, and context. He experimented on several paintings and meanings of a painting differed instantly when different elements were applied.

They say paintings are reflections of their creators. In the video, Caravaggio’s painting was referenced. The main subject of the painting was a figure that had both male and female qualities. It reflected Caravaggio’s homosexuality. I noticed that my art reflected myself too. In a recent plate that I made, I illustrated some architectural details. My style sort of reflected my personality, organized and neat at the surface, but as soon as you carefully inspect it up close, you can see the messy scribbles and scratches of ink on the paper.