Unesco World Heritage sites inspire furniture designs

ASPIRING young Filipino artists exhibited innovative furnishing displays that encapsulated the Philippine natural wonders and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage sites.

Dubbed Mariraya, the showcase featured a core collection of functional chairs and coffee tables inspired by the scenic beauty of the Philippines' popular and traditional attractions.

The initiative was created by Interior Design students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and Design (SED) to promote the country's rich culture and heritage.

To immerse in real-life experiential learning, the youthful creatives presented their creations to a roster of industry experts, who screened their entries for the Professional's Choice Awards.

The panel was comprised of Benilde Interior Design Program Chairman IDr. Katherine Correa, IDr. Hannah Kirsten Galang-Dumlao, IDr. Mark Joseph Madolaria, IDr. Maureen Joyce Pineda, and IDr. Romulo Suyom Jr.

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They evaluated the prototypes based on compliance with the application of anthropometrics and ergonomics standards, concept translation, material selection and craftsmanship.

The Corallium Chair by Guia Amora and Michaela Saliba was hailed as the Grand Prize winner. It used velvet fabric and stainless steel to mimic breathtaking corals and the soft rocking of undulating waves.

It is inspired by the organic and intricate structures of the Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea, a world-renowned scuba diving area and Unesco World Heritage site.

Batanes and Banaue

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Alyannah Chua and Danielle McGregor's Dakay Chair and Coffee Table finished second place. The seating composition was crafted from a mahogany wood base with ovate-shaped Capiz shells to serve as an elegant stand-in for stones. The coffee table, on the other hand, was formed with smoked-finish Capiz shells, fiber and tempered glasses that reflect the robustness of the historical edifice.

Capturing the tranquil Batanes landscape, it portrayed the House of Dakay, the oldest stone house in Batanes, named as a Unesco heritage building.

Palay Mesa by Megan Chua and Xan Pansacola placed third. It was built