The DBP Building as a Landmark of the International Style At the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Makati Avenue stands a landmark of the Makati Central Business District. It is one of the last still standing that were built in the first wave of construction in district fifty years ago. The Development Bank […]
The Serene Simplicity of Zen Interior Design
Asian Zen is an interior designInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary style characterized by oriental aesthetics mixed in with modern sensibilities. This results in a serene and calming home environment. It’s a style that reflects a certain approach towards spirituality and achieving a state that nurtures the soul.
A Philosophy of Mindfulness
The origins of this style can be traced back to ancient philosophies and traditions of Japan and China. The Japanese concept of “wabi-sabiWabi-SabiA Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and natural aging. In interiors, it favors handmade objects, raw textures, weathered wood, clay, linen, and muted earthy tones. Wabi-sabiGo to Wabi-Sabi Glossary” relates to finding beauty in imperfection and transience. It espouses the thinking that less is more. The concept also focuses more on the natural world and the idea of oneness.
On the other hand, Feng shui covers the energy of our environments and categorizes them using the elements. The practice is about tempering the flow of energy towards abundance and the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Its objectives are primarily realized based on the layout of spaces and the orientation of furniture.
As per its name, Zen itself is a concept of buddhism that values meditation, intuition and self restraint. It finds joy in an undisturbed state of being by inviting a conscious awareness of the mind. The practice does away with the intrusive nature of our thoughts and invites one to zazen or simply sit.
Achieving Tranquility Through Essentialism
These eastern modes of thought give a strong framework in dictating what the make up of Asian Zen interior design should be like. It embraces minimalismMinimalismA design philosophy centered on simplicity, restraint, and the idea that less is more. Minimalist spaces reduce ornament and clutter, favoring clean lines, open space, limited palettes, and carefully chosenGo to Minimalism Glossary and simplicity by only focusing on what is truly needed. These spaces create a sense of calm and spaciousness that invite the mind and spirit to breathe and relax.
By only retaining what is essential, it creates a feeling of lightness in terms of its use and appearance. Physical spaces appear to be sparse and meaningful. Clean lines and a clear functional purpose directs a more intentional way of living. The lack of heavy walls and doors, opting for more open-spaces, eases movement and gently lulls in a perception of flow.
Furnishing is typically features a lower-profile. Platform beds, floor cushions, and tea tables are a few examples of furniture that retain visual flow as they promote spaciousness in scale. With that, decor often pares down to a few focal pieces to promote a more discerning taste in what should be present within.
Grounded in Nature
Asian Zen prioritizes the integration of nature and the outdoors into a living space. It harnesses the beneficial qualities of the natural world and appreciates its beauty. In this regard, interior gardens, courtyards, and water features are staple design choices.
Neutral hues evokes these states of mind. Colors of beige, white, gray, and natural wood tones dominate this style. Greens, browns, and blues are accent colors that add depth and visual interest while keeping in theme with natural palettes.
The style celebrates the use of natural materials and textures. Wood ,stone, bamboo, paper, and textiles are prominent features that translate to an even deeper connection to the earth. The warm and authenticity that they bring in creates visual interest with their colors and grains. The less-is-more philosophy brings these subtle details closer to users.
A More Intentional Way of Living
The true beauty of Asian Zen is its underlying philosophies that resonate with the mind, body, and spirit. There’s a focus on simplicity and quality that form a clutter-free setting that lets one to live at a more present state. It’s a design style with a profound depth to the user experience that it provides.
“Buildings only become architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary when they are shared,” said William Ti Jr., founder of the Anthology Festival and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, […]
A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
“Thailand has claimed urban creativity and livability. Singapore has institutional design leadership. Indonesia is emerging as a design hub. Vietnam is moving into design innovation. And the Philippines? Its position is not weak. It is simply unclaimed.” For IDr. Cecil Ravelas, National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the challenge is not […]
The Ramon Magsaysay Center as a Modernist Landmark Driving down Roxas boulevard from Rizal Park, what will catch your eye is the most elegant modernist structure in the country, the Ramon Magsaysay Center. Most established Filipino architects put it in their top ten lists of favorite buildings. It was designed by Alfredo J. Luz, who […]
Rinna Soriano’s favorite part of her work is sanding. At her workbench, she stays focused, following the grain, adjusting to changes in its direction. NarraNarraThe national tree of the Philippines, Pterocarpus indicus, prized for its durable, reddish-gold hardwood and handsome grain. Traditionally used for furniture, flooring, and carved panels, narra is now protected fromGo to […]
Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.
Recommended Video
Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00