PSID Showcases Mid-Century Modern Interiors

The Philippine School of interior Design (PSID) once again holds a month long exhibition with the theme “JUXTAPOSE: Espasyo at Panahon”.

Divided into three categories from Tahanan, Pangkalakal, Pang-Ekonomiya. The exhibition that will run from October 1-31 showcases mid-century modern interiors inspired with old buildings and structures for a function other than what it was originally built for.

Here are some of my favorites from the exhibition.

Regina Building in Escolta has many stories to tell. It is one of the old Manila buildings who survived the terrors of World War II. From booth number 10, Cafe 308 was designed in a neoclassical and beaux-arts style.

Regina building boasts of timeless design elements such as pedimented windows, balusters, bas-reliefs, and sculptural groups. The group reimagined the space as a coffee bar that caters to men and women who are always on-the-go yet who would need their caffeine boost for the day.

The heritage houses in Calle Crisologo remains top tourist attraction in Vigan. Some of which have been converted into inns, museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Inspired by the architectural elements of the Cabildo Ancestral House in Calle Crisologo and the rich culture surrounding it, the group came up with an interior that seeks to embody its distinctive Spanish colonial character. This atelier showcases the works of an outstanding Filipino couturier.

The group retains the intricate callado patterns in the original structure. The wide mirrors with brass borders, heavy curtains, floral patterns, and capiz laminates pays homage to the muted opulence during the Spanish era. To add a modern vibe, interior design students added some pink padded panels, bespoke furniture in white ducco finish, and pieces such as the Ghost Chair and Madeleine chair to bring out the space to the 21st century. (see first photo for a close look)

Another favorite is the Bridal Boudoir designed by Janz Go, Faye Cascante, Jaja Jagunap. The original structure can be found in a quiet neighborhood of San Juan, the Castro House. Built in 1933 by Sps. Melquiades and Victoria Castro, the Castro House has been a family home since its construction.

​Along the side of the house is a spacious patio dedicated for intimate gatherings such as a private wedding. Inside, there is a roomy and spacious living area on one side and a dining room on the other side. The second floor holds four bedrooms, one of which the group has decided to highlight as a holding room for a bride preparing for her big day.

The bridal boudoir, despite having a slightly modern vibe, does not take away from the nostalgic feel of its original Filipino art deco design, which the group has decided to highlight. Such details can be found from the wooden floors to the furniture pieces and accessories, from the moldings and panels on the walls to the lighting fixtures. All these details strive to create a perfect balance between the old and the new, proving that one can utilize structures of the past and breathe new life into them again, making them relevant once more.

Co-presented by Santolan Town Plaza and in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the exhibition features 17 booths that challenge proponents of cultural heritage conservation, developers, and the audience to find creative solutions in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures. It also seeks to impart a sense of heritage to Filipinos with a further understanding and appreciation of our cultural and historical identity.

Photo above is the La Moneda Bookshop and Café which takes inspiration from the history of the Aduana as the Mint House or Casa de Moneda, where the first Philippine coins were made. To echo this pivotal moment, the overall design of the space reflects the lustrous shine of the coin - from the artwork showcased against the coin wall to the copper and metallic touches in the fixtures and fabrics used.

​The proposed design retains its neoclassical façade, its interior structure featuring original arches and exposed beams in concrete, and an iron gate inspired by the original gates of the building. Padded walls and a cowhide rug add softness and depth to the space while touches of wood and red stone flooring create a cozy ambiance. Bespoke furniture and a coffee bar inspired by the ruins complete the industrial glam look. In totality, the La Moneda Bookshop and Café glistens in historical charm and breathes new life to its original home.

Another favorite of mine is the "The Bar Beneath...in San Juan" by Andrew Nieves, Merryl Ngo-Dee, Rosemarie Tapay, Jessica Pedreno.

The Bar Beneath...in San Juan

Built in 1933, the house hides a 15 sqm bomb shelter underneath its kitchen floor. This unique feature inspired the group to transform it into a speakeasy. Multi-localism, referring to an awareness of foreign cultures and imbibing them locally, is used as a concept for our design—which was achieved by combining the intimate allure of a speakeasy, the spartan look of a bomb shelter, and the familiar elements of Filipino style.

Everyone is invited to visit PSID's exhibition entitled "Juxtapose: Espasyo at Panahon" which will run for the whole month of October at Santolan Town Plaza.