PSID-Ahlen, a design institution in the Philippines, is celebrating National Culture Consciousness Week by promoting culturally conscious interior design. Since its inception in 1967, the institution has emphasized the importance of fostering a design style that is both globally competitive and locally grounded, aiming to shape the future of 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. “Understanding cultural identity moves future designers into adapting their interior design brand, 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 as subjects and design challenges. Each plate is an opportunity to 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 always creates challenges that fuse 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. Its students have been curating exhibits that showcase their talent and break the boundaries of artistic interpretation, material innovation, and spatial storytelling.
In 2013, they launched “OPM: Obra Para sa Musika,” an exhibit featuring designs inspired by Filipino musicians’ songs. In 2014, the “GLOBALSCAPES” booth designs were inspired by countries worldwide. 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 its 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.
