Native and Modern Designs

Though they say we're in "modern times" now, a lot of us can't help but look appreciatively and admiringly back to the past and marvel at how our ancestors were able to devise conveniences using artfully handcrafted design elements. Such creativity, resourcefulness, and artistry! Thus, it always makes us stop and stare in appreciation each time we see native and modern designs mixed into furnishings and especially in architecture. 

Native and modern designs keep us updated with present trends and at the same time in touch with the past. It also reflects our mindsets, being in the NOW, looking ahead, and nostalgic of the past, all at the same time. That's a healthy personality. And moreover, it's always an eye-relaxer to see varnished wood, concrete, and polished metal all incorporated artfully in design. I always love seeing bricks or adobe tiles mixed in with polished wood or topped with rustic lumber to resemble mountain cabins. Imagine mountain-cabin designs for your city dwelling right in the heart of a modern community. It's not just unique--it's refreshing to the eyes and refreshing for the soul. That's always how Pinoy architecture ideas are.

And native and modern designs are not just for HOUSEpinoy or Philippine dwellings. They're equally superb for offices, clinics, cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc. I saw this pizza parlor in Guimba, Nueva Ecija where the owner decided to get rid of some of the usual fast food modern design features and replace them with rustic wood furnishings, polished but retaining their rugged quality. I wish I had a cam then so I could take pictures. I told the owner how I appreciated the whole thing, and she was greatly encouraged and would do the same thing to the rest of her eateries. The native and modern designs seemed to have added refreshment while I and my group ate our lunch there.

Many so-called "developers" (who are just businessmen dealing in housing and knows nothing about architecture) just cut up all the trees and place a solid, rigid concrete dwelling all over Manila and make everything ugly. Yeah, the townhouses and condos they build look so modern and imposing, but lacking the semblance of nature and rustic elements, they eventually become an eye sore. All-concrete structures add to global warming and make the place seem so hot especially in summer. We always need native and modern designs in our architecture plus a few elements of nature, like trees and plants and shrubberies and some water form.

That's what HOUSEpinoy stands for--a striking balance in architecture and in life for the comfort of Filipinos. Godwilling, when I have the money to renovate our house, I'd incorporate contemporary and native design features. This works well especially for limited spaces, which is often the case here in Deep Asia. Remember to always consider Pinoy architecture ideas!