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Paham: A Filipino Cultural Center
Paham: A Filipino Cultural Center
Paham (adj.) 1. A learned man, someone well-trained, or a scholar2. To understand
As a designer, Alyssa wanted to create a space that delves into Filipino culture, and art and design to help inform others and to help first-generation Filipino-Canadians learn, accept, and celebrate one’s own culture. As a first-generation Filipino-Canadian unable to speak Tagalog with only the basic knowledge of her Filipino heritage, this cultural centre was created to help individuals like herself develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for one’s own heritage while finding and creating a community for other like-minded individuals who too, feel disconnected with their own cultural identity as a born and raised Canadian citizen.
Concept
"A blend of old and new. The journey of discovering, learning, and celebrating one’s own Filipino-Canadian identity."
Functional Direction
1
Community Center
This community center is where people can gather for social, educational, and cultural activities. This includes a space for cultural events and performances, a room for children to learn Tagalog, and spaces where people can socially gather.
2
Art Gallery | Exhibition
Since there is no dedicated gallery for Asian-Canadian art in Calgary, this dedicated space will bring attention to Filipino artists and designers, as there is a lack of representation of Asian-Canadian artists within the art and design community.
3
Community Kitchen | Garden
A community garden located outside of the building will teach those who want to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables. Workshops will also be available to learn how to prepare traditional Filipino food using these grown produce.
First Floor
Level one generates the most foot traffic, and is where the most public spaces such as the café and art gallery are located on this floor.
From the main entry, guests are greeted by reception. Here, the receptionist helps with visitor inquiries and where users can book classes and inquire about booking spaces and purchasing art.
An informal space, this café focuses on serving unique tea and coffee drinks using beans sourced from the Philippines. Inspired by her dad who likes to bake, it will serve unique Filipino baked goods such as Pandesal, Bitsu Bitsu, Siopao and more— made fresh daily. In addition, the café will serve specialty light fare food items on occasion.
While the kitchen is primarily used to prepare food, it is a space that will also host cooking workshops for those who want to learn how to cook traditional Filipino food, using fresh ingredients grown in the community garden that would be located outside of the building.
First Floor: Materiality
The materiality draws inspiration from the landscape of the Philippines.
The intent for the first floor was to create a more contemplative space, using earthy, richer, cooler tones, with the purpose of users moving through the space in a slow, thoughtful, and deliberate way.
First Floor: Lighting Plan & Fixtures
Second Floor
The second level consists of more private spaces, such as the offices, a conference room, and classroom. In terms of design, level two takes on a modern approach in comparison to the first level.
When users enter the space from the stairs or elevator, they will be greeted by the Cultural Flex Space. This area is an interchangeable space that currently consists of a "pop-up bookstore," of various Filipino books ranging from novels, comics, classics, and more.
Adjacent is the communal area with mixed seating for both individuals and groups. The intent of this space was to provide a resting area for users who would be waiting for their classes or needed a space to do their work after classes.
Second Floor: Materiality
Warm tones were utilized as a means to create an atmosphere that is warm energizing, and comfortable.
The Media/Visual Room is intended to be used for video installations where users can casually come in to view.
Language classes will take place in the classroom, fitting up to 18 students. Here, Tagalog will be taught at various levels to accommodate everyone's skill levels. Cultural/history classes will also take place here, teaching various Filipino traditions, history, and stories to help educate the youth about their Filipino heritage.
Second Floor: Lighting Plan & Fixtures
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