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Creating Safe Spaces: How UP Design Students Transformed a Girls' Shelter
In a remarkable demonstration of how design can impact lives, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman recently completed a transformative project at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter for Girls in Quezon City. The initiative, dubbed "Silay Kulay," showcases how interior design can be a powerful tool for social change when combined with community service.
Where Education Meets Social Impact
For over two decades, UP Diliman's BS Interior Design program has pioneered service learning through its ID 179 course. This year's graduating class chose to focus their efforts on reimagining spaces within the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter, creating environments that would nurture the growth and well-being of its young residents.
"The project began with a simple yet profound mission," explains the faculty professor overseeing the initiative. "We wanted to redesign the shelter with the girls' well-being at the forefront of every decision."
A Community-Driven Transformation
What sets this project apart is its collaborative nature. The design team drew inspiration directly from the shelter's residents, incorporating elements from the girls' own drawings and imagination into their plans. To fund the ambitious renovation, students organized multiple community events, including:
A rummage sale that brought together local supporters
Skill-sharing workshops that engaged the broader community
A successful block screening fundraiser that united people behind the cause
Comprehensive Redesign with Purpose
The renovation encompassed several key areas of the shelter:
Entry and Welcome Spaces
The previously austere entryway and receiving area were transformed into warm, welcoming spaces that immediately signal safety and comfort. New furniture arrangements and thoughtful lighting create an atmosphere that helps visitors and residents feel at ease from the moment they step inside.
Essential Living Areas
The renovation included practical yet aesthetically pleasing updates to:
The hallway and stairwell, now featuring inspiring artwork and improved lighting
A modernized toilet and bath facility with enhanced functionality
A reorganized stockroom that maximizes storage efficiency
A reimagined dining and kitchen area that encourages community meals
Multi-Purpose Learning Space
Perhaps the most significant transformation was the multi-purpose room, designed to serve as both a study area and entertainment space. This versatile environment now supports various activities essential for the girls' development and recreation.
Sustainable Design in Practice
The students demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by thoughtfully combining new and repurposed materials. This approach not only reduced the project's environmental impact but also showcased how creative reuse can lead to stunning design solutions.
Beyond Aesthetics: Creating Lasting Impact
The project's success lies not just in its visual transformation but in its deeper impact on the shelter's residents. The redesigned spaces now facilitate:
Better social interaction among residents
Enhanced learning environments
Improved daily routines and activities
Stronger sense of community and belonging
A Model for Future Service Learning
This project exemplifies how interior design education can extend beyond classroom theories to create meaningful community impact. It demonstrates that when students apply their skills to real-world challenges, they not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to positive social change.
As one student designer reflected, "This project taught us that interior design isn't just about creating beautiful spaces—it's about understanding how environments affect people's lives and using that knowledge to make a difference."
Looking Forward
The success of Silay Kulay sets a powerful precedent for future service-learning initiatives. It shows how academic institutions can partner with community organizations to create lasting positive change while providing students with invaluable real-world experience.
The project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven design and the importance of making professional design services accessible to organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Through thoughtful design and community collaboration, these UP Diliman students have created more than just beautiful spaces—they've helped build a foundation for hope and healing.
Receiving Area After Picture #1
Receiving Area After Picture #2
Hallway Before Picture
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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