Origami design helps rehab abuse survivors
FOLDING Spaces, an origami-influenced design proposal for medical facilities for abused women and children, parallels the process of healing to the Japanese art of traditional paper folding.
Conceptualized by young artist Donna Angelique Bihasa, it won the grand prize at the prestigious 20th Estilo De Vida (EDV) competition.
Established in 2004 by sterling Filipino construction industrybased businessman Jorge Consunji, the annual interschool contest serves as a platform for collegiate innovators to showcase their talents to industry professionals, contractors and practitioners.
The tilt challenged students to create multifunctional and efficient environments for a 28.8-squaremeter (sqm) container van clinic and 24.5-sqm health care infirmary. These will be used as protection units for abuse survivors on their path to recovery.
Structural elements must include consultation, physical examination, waiting and comfort rooms, as well as play areas for kids.
Bihasa said rehabilitation is not “a procedure that can be rushed, just as you cannot fast-track the creation of a beautiful piece.” She pointed out that, instead, “every moment of progress contributes to the transformation of the individual’s well-being.”
To provide a calm and soothing atmosphere and grant a sense of balance and peace of mind, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) interior design student used soft, tranquil and warm neutral colors.
She incorporated fun and modular furniture — folding tables and chairs — that offer flexibility and freedom for individuals to embrace change. Canvases, bookshelves, storage solutions, toys and television were integrated to encourage the users to relax, unleash their creativity and express their true selves.
IDr. Candice Arboleda, who mentored Bihasa, said this opportunity allowed learners to immerse themselves in an experience close to actual practice.
In presenting their works to a bigger audience, the artist enters a larger conversation, “with their works being discussed as more than just concepts and theories,” she said.
EDV granted a P150,000 cash prize for Bihasa’s winning entry. They likewise hailed Carl Valdez from the University of the Philippines (UP) as the first runner-up and Clarisse Abrera from the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (Earist) as the second runner-up. They received P75,000 and P40,000 cash prizes, respectively.
Seven semi-finalists, on the other hand, took home P10,000 cash prizes each.
The works of the Top 3 winners will be donated to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital and Ospital ng Makati for their renovation projects.