Chairs that tell stories

MANILA, Philippines – For aspiring students of industrial design, there’s nothing like the transformative process of having a nebulous idea drawn into a rough sketch on paper that — finally — manifests itself as a tangible work that is both art and furniture.

Guided by their professor, Khammile Manansala, seven young ladies embarked on the challenge of reinterpreting the traditional silla in the context of Resilience in Construction.

“From this framework, they would then develop their own concepts as to how they understand and mold the meaning into a physical piece.

“The designers were very creative, and the results are diverse — some subdued and elegantly utilitarian, while others are whimsical and highly inventive. Each has its own story and personal reflection. I am extremely proud of their dedication,” enthused Khammile.

With the support of family, friends and industry sponsors, conception achieves completion as their works were exhibited at SM City North EDSA’s The Interior Zone, a prime venue for potential clients in search for commissioned work.

Early on while still at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts, the opportunity given to these aspiring innovators to showcase their work brings them a step closer to their dreams.

• Name: Princess Dalayawon

Concept: The Metaphor Chair

Materials: Metal sheets and wood slats

“I came up with this design to represent the idea that people are constantly bearing personal burdens but have the ability to adapt to any given circumstance. The support, with the unique dimensions shaped from polished alloy, is the metaphor of resiliency. It is both stable yet dynamic in the usage of figures and enclosed space. This is then organically integrated with the wood to fully bring life to the overall concept.”

• Name: Marinelli Perez

Concept: Hoof

Materials: Synthetic rattan, wrought iron and water-resistant linen

“Introducing 2015: The Year of the Sheep, which is the inspiration for this multi-purpose rocker and lounge chair, drawn from the sinuous quality of hooves. It shows resiliency in its very structure, with the ductility of wrought iron and the durability and strength of rattan, which is likewise flexible and lightweight.”

• Name: Ma. Rhobbia Castillo

Concept: Blithe

Materials: Solid round bar wrought iron with black epoxy finish and canapé fabrics

“Hand-woven canapé fabric inspired by Kenneth Cobonpue’s Cabaret Collection, my fascination with street art and the boldness of freedom of expression are the components that gave birth to Blithe, a piece that is my personal take on materializing the sentiment that happiness comes from within. It is crafted into a unique and valiant form that is supported with the structural integrity and versatile qualities of wrought metal, which is the skeletal and conceptual foundation of my work.”

• Name: Mariel Briva

Concept: Her Desher

Materials: Synthetic rattan, silver galvanized wrought iron, and canvas

“I define resilience as the strength to recover from difficulties. I think this great capacity is aptly represented with the power of the volcano, which I am deeply drawn to. The largest volcano in the solar system is the majestic Olympus Mons on the planet Mars, which influenced the conical shape of the Her Desher, the Red One, in a representation of classical Greek passion, blood and heroism. Crimson is a color that is alive, fighting and deeply significant in my understanding of one’s capability to overcome barriers.”

• Name: Francine Wong

Concept: Asana

Materials: Natural and synthetic rattan, wrought iron, and a fabric upholstered cushion

“Several factors influenced Asana, but it is primarily inspired by the Lotus position from meditation practices in ancient India, which conveys a relaxed demeanor without the pressures of ceremony. The chair has a strong, round base and the circular figure exudes a sense of vitality and longevity. The backrest is reminiscent of the organic shape of the human body and the elegant line of the spine.”

• Name: Ema Ranara

Concept: Felix Culpa

Materials: Hollow and round wrought iron bars, synthetic rattan and leather touch fabric

“I depicted resilience by using sustainable materials. The aesthetic design was inspired by the structure of a leaf, which is, in my view, the epitome of an object that can grow, adapt, survive and endure despite profound changes in the environment. I named it Felix Culpa, or the Latin phrase for joyful fault, with the hard-wearing optimism that catastrophic events may eventually lead to happy outcomes.”

• Name: Charlotte Dizon

Concept: Eisenia Fetida

Materials: Stained Mahogany and flat wrought iron bars

“In my opinion, Resilience in Construction means to make a prototype that will survive climatic changes. The chair is made from detachable slats of stained Philippine mahogany, which is known as the ideal wood across Asia. It grows easily and the individual pieces can be replaced from a renewable source. The rustic design is drawn from my memories of the earth and nature, particularly the Eisenia Fetida, or the earthworm. Its segmented body inspired the basic appearance of this piece.”

Photos by Gerard Teaño and Jake Crisologo