A piece of Filipino history, meant to be interacted with and connected with
Duration
6 Months
6 Months
Tools
Sketching
Solidworks
Keyshot
Woodworking
Sketching
Solidworks
Keyshot
Woodworking
Team
Solo
Solo
Back To My Roots
There is a stigma around immigrant culture, being viewed as weird, different, and "kitschy". We’re taught to be ashamed of being an outside group. However, culture is somethign to be proud of, it’s somthing we should show off.
There is a stigma around immigrant culture, being viewed as weird, different, and "kitschy". We’re taught to be ashamed of being an outside group. However, culture is somethign to be proud of, it’s somthing we should show off.
The Diasporic Experience
As a first-generation immigrant, I found my connection to the culture back home through my family. My Lola and Lolo regaling me with stories from their past and their immigration to the US. Songs filled our history and home, from the moment my Lolo proposed to the moments when my sisters and I connected.
As a first-generation immigrant, I found my connection to the culture back home through my family. My Lola and Lolo regaling me with stories from their past and their immigration to the US. Songs filled our history and home, from the moment my Lolo proposed to the moments when my sisters and I connected.
How could I design around my experience as the child of Filipino immigrants and, in the process, learn more about myself?
Moments of Reflection
Reclaiming My History
I started reflecting on my family's history, tracing my story back to the homeland. I found myself touched by how my Lolo proposed to my Lola: a Harana, a bold declaration of love performed through a public serenade. I wanted this to be more than just a machine, but more as a reflection of myself.
Looking Inward
The question now was, how do I translate these emotions into a tangible object? I looked at Filipino architecture, folktales, fauna, and flora to try and develop a more thoughtful form language.
Beneath The Surface
To Be Seen
I wanted this to be able to blend seamlessly into the home, but also able to be a focal point of interaction.
To Be Heard
This project was born to be functional
To Be Understood
The devil is in the details.