Forgotten Deities, Misunderstood Spirits
Incorporating rituals and practices of filipinos who honour beings from Philippine folklore and mythology in the interior design of a cultural center for the study and practice of philippine folklore and mythology
"It "culture" is a mould in which we are all cast, and it controls our daily lives in many unsuspected ways" - Edward T. Hall
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
At the foundations of every culture are stories. Stories are timeless, revealing and expressing the essence of every culture: beliefs, traditions, and values. This study requires research into the ancient mythology of the Philippines and how these beliefs are currently still being upheld in modern day. In turn, this research will be used to create a space that fits the modern needs to honour beings from Philippine folklore and mythology.
Scope of Study: focuses on only mythology from the Luzon region as much as possible because of the vastness of Philippine mythology. Study will focus on rituals and practices and exclude ceremonies, meaning it will focus on everyday activities, the urban fast paced lifestyle, rather than all day festivities.
Objectives of the Study: develop a cultural centre that facilitates the rituals and practices.
Significance of the Study: 1. Removing stigma of an ancient belief // 2. Celebrating culture // 3. Impact of creating a cultural centre of Philippine Folklore and Mythology
Concept: TROPICAL MYSTICS
Concept was generated through research and findings of interviews. Research will not be shown here as it is extensive but for personal intrigue look into books by Maximo D. Ramos.
Tropical Mystics is a concept which integrates the tropical presence within the Philippines and combines it with the magic and celestial power shown in the belief.
BRANDING
During this study, it was found that part of this belief included ritualistic paraphernalia that may be sold by practitioners for holistic healing. Below are pictures of the branding for the cultural centre aiming to be friendly, minimalist, and modern to remove stigma and negative connotations people may associate with this belief.
The logo represents man, nature, and mythological being. The leaf represents nature, the head represents man, and the combination of both creates an engkanto (a woodland being/a protector of nature), a being from Philippine folklore and mythology.
MOCKUPS: free to use // only used for school purposes, non-commercial uses
OUTPUT
*NOTE: full blueprints were made for this project but not included here
Each space was created to include the needs of practitioners, people who want to be healed, people who want to partake in practices and rituals, and people who may be interested in learning about the belief.
AREA 1: Receiving Space
The main entrance to the cultural centre.
AREA 2: LIBRARY
Area made to be an archive and a learning space for workers and visitors.
AREA 3: MAKERSPACE
This belief requires ritualistic paraphernalia that sometimes needs to be concocted or built requiring a space for workshops and employees to have a creative space.
AREA 4: waiting room
For guests who have booked an appointment with a healer or practitioner, alike to a doctors office. While waiting, individuals may utilise VR head set that can transport them to any environment. This belief is rooted in nature, tied to places and elements that may not be accessible to workers living in the city and urbanised areas. VR can be a way to reconnect people with nature that is accessible if it is not provided within the cultural centre or their own homes.
AREA 5: healing spaces (light & dark)
Different healing spaces were made as some rituals and practices may require sunlight, while others must not have any natural light.
AREA 6: exterior
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS PROJECT. THANK YOU!
