In this exclusive interview, esteemed Filipino designers tell us how the use of art, design, and style can create a fun learning experience for both students and educators
As the American philosopher John Dewey put it, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself," and this is why it is important for educational institutions around the Philippines to secure a safe and encouraging environment for students and teachers who need it most. Rita Nazareno, Gabby Lichauco, and Sara Soliven-de Guzman share with Tatler their mission of promoting creativity as a tool for learning.
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Nazareno, Lichauco, and De Guzman worked together to provide learning spaces that were specifically envisioned to suit the thinking process and day-to-day educational activities of its students. In the coming days, the students of OB Montessori Center (OBMC) will see and utilise classrooms, hallways, and activity areas that celebrate Filipino and Filipino-American conceptual art.
"For me, the reason why OBMC went in this direction is that we need to move forward to the new normal. We have a new way of living and a new way of doing things," says Soliven-de Guzman who serves as OMBC president and COO. "The past three years were very dark and we don't expect everyone to return to the same facility. How do we heal the hearts and minds of people? In retrospect, I feel now that this [initiative] does not just heal the students, it heals the whole community as well. The spirit changed, the vibe changed."
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"Gabby and I wanted to push a more contemporary thrust in a very traditional Philippine craft. So that's what we wanted to do; Sara saw the colours and enjoyed this combination of different Filipino techniques and materials," says Nazareno. "[Sara and I] We've been very good friends, so we have such a good rapport ever since and more so now. It's so nice to have Gabby in. This kind of joyful energy behind all the work has kind of expanded and it's fun. It's really more than anything, you can see it in the work."
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Lichauco, for his part, says that the most fruitful part of the partnership was 'learning along the way'.
"Well, I think during the whole process, Sara discussed each and every level we can design around her programme. We have learnt a lot along the way. Every time we discuss a classroom and what we can put in there there is always a consideration of what the students at the level are learning. So these are the things we want to incorporate into the space in terms of graphic design, colours," he says.
"We kept going back and forth to the campus we are seeing more and more things that can be improved," he adds.
