Introduction: A Spark for Filipino Learners
In a bold collaborative effort, the University of the Philippines – Diliman, through its BS Interior Design program (Class of 2026) under the College of Home Economics, unveils KISLAP: Ang Kabanata ng Kabataan. This initiative reframes how spaces support young learners, putting compassion and servitude at the heart of design. The project, rooted in a strong belief that environments shape learning, envisions classrooms, libraries, and common areas that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and well-being for Filipino students.
What is KISLAP?
KISLAP is more than a redesign project; it is a people-centered approach to interior design that centers the needs, strengths, and cultures of young learners. The UP Diliman team combines theory with fieldwork, engaging with teachers, students, and communities to uncover what makes spaces truly conducive to learning. The result is a series of prototypes and design concepts that honor local contexts while showcasing innovative solutions that are feasible for Philippine schools.
Core Principles Guiding the Redesign
The KISLAP initiative operates on several core principles that align with contemporary pedagogy and the realities of Philippine classrooms:
- Learner-Centered Design: Spaces adapt to diverse learning styles, enabling movement, collaboration, and focused solo work as needed.
- Cultural Relevance: Color palettes, materials, and furniture choices reflect Filipino aesthetics and local materials to foster a sense of belonging.
- Accessibility and Comfort: Ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, acoustics, and safe circulation support all students, including those with varying abilities.
- Sustainability: Low-cost, durable, and easy-to-maintain designs use locally sourced materials to ensure long-term impact.
- Community Engagement: The process extends beyond classrooms, involving families and educators to sustain improvements over time.
From Concept to Classroom: Design Process and Outcomes
Led by aspiring designers from UP Diliman, the team undertakes a holistic process: ethnographic research, space analysis, mood boarding, and prototyping. They examine how light, color, and furniture arrangement influence student engagement, collaboration, and curiosity. The outcomes include adaptable classroom modules, flexible seating configurations, interactive learning zones, and quiet corners for reflection. Each design choice strives to normalize collaboration, reduce anxiety, and create joyful spaces that Filipino learners look forward to entering each day.
Prototype Highlights
Among the concepts under KISLAP are modular learning nooks that can be reconfigured to suit different lessons, large communal tables to encourage peer-to-peer teaching, and reading corners with vibrant yet calming color schemes. The team also emphasizes wayfinding and safety—clear sightlines, accessible routes, and signage that supports multilingual learners, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity.
Why This Matters for the Philippines
Education in the Philippines faces numerous challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and a need for learner empowerment. KISLAP responds to these realities with practical, scalable design ideas that schools can adopt without huge budgets. By focusing on student comfort, sensory engagement, and inclusive spaces, the project contributes to improved attention, motivation, and a more positive school climate. The UP Diliman team hopes their work will inspire schools nationwide to rethink interiors as a critical pillar of learning.
Looking Ahead: Service, Compassion, and Sustainability
Rooted in compassion and servitude, KISLAP envisions interior design as a service to learners and communities. The project encourages future designers to consider social impact, local craftsmanship, and sustainable practices as they shape the environments where Filipino youth grow, learn, and dream. As the class of 2026 graduates into the profession, their KISLAP experience stands as a testament to how thoughtful interior design can empower young minds and help write the next chapter in Filipino education.
