PSID's "Juxtapose: Espasyo At Panahon" Exhibit Is Where Modern Meets Old World

Every year, the local interior design scene meets fresh talents through Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID), which holds an annual graduation exhibit. This year, PSID students were challenged to showcase old structures with modern interpretations with "Juxtapose: Espasyo at Panahon," an exhibit commemorating the institute’s 51st anniversary. The new breed of interior designers mounted impressive models of their suggested establishments; there were a total of 17 creatively designed spaces.

Adaptive reuse is the highlight of this year’s show. Sprucing up their assigned heritage sites without hurting the original structures, the batch was able to bring new life to the past and marry it with present design. The exhibit is divided in three galleries, namely Tahanan, Pangkalakal, and Pang-Industriya, showcasing the country’s way of life with a modern touch.

See the iconic Bahay na Bato reinterpreted into various shops in Tahanan. “The bar beneath... in San Juan” features the bomb shelter of the Castro House in San Juan City, which they converted into a secret bar and lounge. “The Vigan Atelier,” on the other hand, is beautifully revamped into a dressing shop from the original Cabildo house in Calle Crisologo, built in 18th century. “Small Space, Big Living” features an ultra sleek and multi-functional space-saving design taken from one of the spots inside the Tañada Ancestral House. Experience a luxe spa-like vibe in “Modern Filipino Haven” remodeled from the Laurel Ancestral House. Brides get the best room in the upper floor of the Castro House with “Bridal Boudoir.” And finally, “Marahuyo Spa & Tea House” takes you to a Taal escapade as the Punzalan Ancestral House was transformed into a tropical paradise.

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Turn to a corner and you’ll see the next gallery, Pangkalakal, which exhibits the commercial spaces reminiscent of the streetscape of Escolta and Avenida in Manila. “Lamoneda Bookshop & Café” is a warm and cozy hangout restructured from the old Aduana Building. “CC (Café + Creatives)” lets your creative juices flowing with a lounge and coffee place from one of the lobbies of the former PSID Building in Pasong Tamo. The “Little Café Museum” boasts of a neutral scheme done in mid-century modern style, giving a tranquil feel to the Cancio-Calma Associates building. “Café 308” leads you to a neoclassical and beaux arts universe, further beautifying the Regina Building’s timeless design elements like the pediment windows and balusters. “Kusina Aduana” is a new concept kitchen reimagined in the same building as the previous booth, with up-to-date kitchen essentials, complete with a pantry for cooking workshops and the like. The last booth in the Pangkalakal gallery, “Below Zero Gelateria,” is a posh lounge that was created from the Aduana Building.

The Pang-Industriya gallery is a great strip of lively developments with distinct character. Tanduay Fire Station is converted into a hip gym in “13 Fit Street.” The San Nicholas Fire Station is turned into a contemporary dormitory in “Dor-moderno.” Up the ante in the bar experience with "Station No. 15," which transformed Tanduay Fire Station into a coworking bar, complete with industrial details and furnishing. “Polo Estacion” showcases the past centuries' form of trade, and positioned an artisan market and local wine shop in the PNR Polo Station. The last booth situated in San Fernando Train Station, the “KM10 Gentleman’s Barber Lounge,” is not to be missed with its exquisite and elegant design perfect for the true gentleman.

Photographs by Ronan Capili