Spatial Unity

NO MAN is an island. So is a building or space. Building and the rooms inside them must be designed in such a manner that it maintains that vital connection with the outdoors. The way an architect or interior designer would zone rooms and spaces is not just to satisfy efficiency of function in terms of user activity but also to maximize entry of outdoor natural light and ventilation, frame breathtaking views and keep the user of the man-made realm constantly in touch with the natural environment.

This interconnection between building interiors and natural exteriors spurred the design approach of young Cebuano interior designer Jan Iben Amper in his entry to this years Metrobank Art and Design Excellence interior design competition. Entitled Bale, which is a native Ifugao house, the design was given a special citation by the jurors.

The challenge was to create an observation deck on the 61st floor of the Metrobank Financial Center inside the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Afforded with a 209-square-meter area for the deck, the interior designer weaved into it the character of the indigenous structure. The bales pyramidal space on sturdy, high- post construction seems to jive well with the decks location on top of a high-rise building. This gives the visitor a good panorama of the bustling city. The one-roomed interior allows for flexibility of movement and opportunities for creating openings where visitors can look at both the tranquil and dynamic scenes below.

To fully highlight the obstruction-free space, Amper made a strategic play of lighting in the space.

(sic) The ceiling lighting fixtures are in an inclined position, angled away from the glass walls in order not to put a direct sharp reflection from its illumination to the glass walls that may interrupt the overlooking views of the outside, explains the interior design graduate from the University of San Carlos.

The designer made sure that floor lightings were minimized since people look outside for the view; they are likely to look down, therefore (they might) see reflections from (their) background, mostly at the lower portion. Furniture was kept low and carefully placed. Seats with backrest were placed at the back part and away from the glass walls, while those without backrest were given space at the central area.

Lastly, dark and neutral colors are incorporated for the permanent and major architectural elements of the interior such as the ceiling, walls and floors in order to produce a seamless or almost invisible background when people look at the view outside through the glass walls at night, he continues.

The deck welcomes all the necessary elements that are supposed to enhance the spatial openness and outdoor appreciation. This is another intangible Filipino quality of space that reminds an individual about the deeply admired Filipino hospitality. The welcoming aspect of the space also reinforces the decks function as a public area.

Architecture and its interiors are not supposed to be insensitive elements in the environment that isolates the person from the realities of the outside. A building being grounded on the earth is enough reason for it to interact positively with nature, andzzmv allowing its users to feel its soothing caress even if they are partly enclosed by concrete, steel and glass.

Excerpt from:
Spatial Unity