TOWARDS HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Property development goes a notch higher as it takes a conscious effort in promoting sustainable development. After all, a built environment has to be in harmony with the natural setting in order to achieve sustainability.
True enough, Federal Land, Inc., the real estate arm of the Metrobank Group, together with Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) worked hand in hand to promote creativity and sustainability for the society’s holistic development.
Guided by the advocacy “Your Environment Shapes You”, MBFI annually holds the Metrobank Arts & Design Excellence Competition in recognition of the country’s talented new artists and designers who espouses sustainability in their works.
For this common goal, Federal Land sponsored the 2008 MADE Interior Design Competition by offering residential units from its prestigious project – Bay Garden Palawan Tower.
Two finalists were chosen and their designs were executed in the units of Bay Garden Palawan Tower, an upscale residential community located at Metropolitan Park, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., corner EDSA Extension, Pasay City.
Adrian del Monte, a Cebu-based designer transformed one unit of Bay Garden Palawan into a cosmopolitan hut. Aptly named “Casita”, Adrian’s design is inspired by the traditional Filipino nipa hut. The interior space exudes warmth and simplicity. He utilized recycled materials such as car tires woven into a couch. Layers of woven pandan were used as wall accents. Other materials such as old coco shells, capiz, bamboo, buri and abaca adorned the 44-sqm, one-bedroom unit. These materials are combined with modern pieces of furniture. “Casita” is unique blend of the old and new, of the traditional and modern.
It is simply amazing how one can transform old materials into a work of art. April Rose Frigillana, an interior designer from Quezon City, believes that built and natural environment are closely linked together and this is achieved through recycling. With her “Nature’s Links”, April enhanced the interiors of Bay Garden Palawan Tower by taking in second hand items and refurbishing them. Capiz windows, wood planks and balusters graced the living room and bedroom. An old sewing machine was recycled into a writing table. In addition to this, April maximized the use of natural lighting by using transparent surfaces. “Nature’s Links” created a “maaliwalas” atmosphere making the unit an intimate but refreshing home.
April Rose Frigillina won the grand prize, while Adrian del Monte took home the special award. They received a cash prize of Php 200,000 and Php 150,000, respectively.
Both designs, along with other winners in Painting, Sculpture and Architecture were showcased during the 2008 MADE Awards Night held last September 12, 2008 at Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City.