Introduction: A Student-Driven Reimagining of Learning Spaces
In a move that blends compassion, creativity, and community service, the BS Interior Design Class of 2026 from the University of the Philippines – Diliman has launched KISLAP: Ang Kabanata ng Kabataan. This project, housed in the College of Home Economics, seeks to redesign and reimagine learning environments for young Filipino learners. By focusing on learner-centered spaces, the students aim to cultivate environments that encourage collaboration, curiosity, and inclusive participation.
What is KISLAP?
KISLAP stands as a thoughtful initiative that translates classroom theory into practical, humane design. The team collaborates with educators, students, and local communities to understand the day-to-day realities of learning, especially for children in underserved settings. The project centers on flexible, adaptable spaces where teachers can implement differentiated instruction, and where students can move, interact, and express their ideas freely.
Core Principles: How Design Serves Learning
The project is guided by several core principles that reflect both modern interior design practice and educational equity:
- Learner-Centered Layouts: Furniture and zones that support various learning modalities, from quiet individual work to active collaboration.
- Culturally Relevant Design: Materials, colors, and textures that resonate with Filipino learners and their communities.
- Sustainability and Durability: Practical choices that endure weather, wear, and school-life realities while remaining affordable.
- Wayfinding and Safety: Clear sightlines, accessible paths, and inclusive features for diverse learners.
- Creativity and Expression: Spaces that invite students to express ideas through art, technology, and hands-on activities.
Design Process: From Concept to Classroom
The UP Diliman students describe a collaborative process that begins with listening. They conduct site visits, interview teachers and learners, and map the daily rhythms of classrooms. Armed with these insights, they move through ideation, prototyping, and iterative testing—an approach that mirrors professional design studios and emphasizes practical, scalable solutions.
Key stages include:
- Needs Assessment: Understanding how spaces can better support reading, quiet study, group work, and hands-on activities.
- Modular Solutions: Furniture and partitions that can be reconfigured for seminars, workshops, or independent study.
- Material Selection: Choices that balance aesthetics with durability, safety, and ease of maintenance.
- Community Feedback: Incorporating voices from teachers, students, and families to refine designs.
Impact on Students and Schools
The envisioned learner-centered spaces aim to reduce barriers to learning by providing adaptable environments that meet varied needs. When classrooms permit mobility, comfortable seating, and accessible tools, students can participate more actively in lessons, collaborate with peers, and develop confidence in their abilities. For teachers, flexible layouts offer new scaffolding opportunities, enabling them to tailor instruction to different groups without sacrificing structure.
Beyond the physical makeover, KISLAP seeks to cultivate a mindset—one that recognizes the classroom as a dynamic ecosystem where space and pedagogy evolve together. The project also emphasizes mentoring and peer-learning, as senior students guide younger peers through the design-thinking process and problem-solving activities.
Why It Matters for the Philippines
Education in the Philippines faces diverse challenges, including large class sizes, varied learning needs, and limited resources. Projects like KISLAP demonstrate how future designers can contribute meaningfully to national goals by pairing design expertise with social impact. By prioritizing learner-centered environments, UP Diliman students are not only practicing their craft but also championing inclusive education for Filipino learners, aligning with broader educational reforms and development goals.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for KISLAP
The team intends to pilot their concepts in real classrooms, gather feedback, and refine their designs for broader implementation. They hope to collaborate with schools, local designers, and policymakers to scale successful strategies across regions. As learners themselves, the UP Diliman students embody a forward-looking approach: design that serves people, not just spaces.
Conclusion
KISLAP: Ang Kabanata ng Kabataan embodies a compelling fusion of interior design prowess and social responsibility. By rethinking Learner-Centered Spaces for young Filipino learners, these students illustrate how thoughtful design can empower education, foster inclusivity, and inspire communities to write the next chapter in Philippine schooling.
