Words and Images UP BSID Batch 2023
Editing The Kanto Team
Every year, the graduating batch of the BS Interior Design program of the University of the Philippines Diliman executes a renovation project for a chosen beneficiary. This special project is a course called ID 179 – a culmination of learnings about the practice of interior design applied in the true UP spirit of service.
For this year’s beneficiary, the Class of 2023 chose the Kuya Center for Street Children—a home and refuge for runaways, orphans, and kids from low-income families (street families). Located in Cubao, Quezon City, the center was established by the Luzon Association of Religious Brothers. Kuya Center provides food, shelter, and education, and ensures well-being for male street children from ages 8 to 15.
Entering Project AKBAY
The task of the student designers was to transform the shelter into a space that welcomes and embraces children, empowering them to heal, grow, and become the best versions of themselves. This initiative is entitled “Project AKBAY: Disenyong Gabay Tungo sa Pangarap at Pag-asa.” After six months of raising funds, partnering with sponsors, and overseeing construction, the newly renovated space was finally turned over last February 27, 2023.
The entrance of the shelter has a portal-like structure which was emphasized through a mural, depicting the spirit of Akbay. The wall next to the entrance that used to be empty is now brightened by a yellow, map-inspired mural. This was painted by the student designers themselves, to which they added a customized logo for the Kuya Center.
The design team for the Exterior revamp consists of Glenn Cultura, Kaye Picazo, Ren Santos, Johncis Quiambao, and Frances Dandan
Inside Project AKBAY
The main area is a multi-purpose space that accommodates various activities for the children such as tutoring, dining, TV viewing, and playtime. This area is used by the kids, staff, and volunteers. With the help of Boysen Paints, the walls were embellished with colorful murals to give the space more life.
The old main door was beaten up and deteriorating. Since it is an important feature, the door was custom-made with narrow fist-size viewers requested by the client. The doors leading to the other spaces were also worn out, so they were replaced with new ones from RRO Doors. The main features of this area are the custom adjustable desks and chairs from Arksmith Furniture, a huge glow-up from the plastic tables and monobloc chairs that were too high for the kids to use before.
Spaces dedicated to the social workers and educators were not left behind. Used by four people, the admin office and filing room were both freed up. The existing office and storage were cluttered and cramped and had bulky, mismatched furniture, and broken tiles.
With a change of tiles from Felport International, new ergonomic furniture, and a custom built-in shelving and cabinet system, the office and filing room are now more conducive to productivity.
To cater to children who need one-to-one discussions, an Educational Room is used by several in-house educators. This space used to be full of supplies scattered on bulky steel shelves and was too cramped to be a learning space.
Pieces from Sogo furniture assisted the designers in creating a layout that accommodates both kids and teachers.
Kuya Center also has its own kitchen. However, it was initially dark and in dire need of repair. The walls were peeling and the cabinets were chipping.
The new design now features more storage options, with open shelving that have recessed lighting from Landlite for a better cooking and dining experience. The new backsplash and replaced furniture made the kitchen look bigger and brighter. AllHome supplied the kitchen with new appliances such as a refrigerator, rice cooker, and range hood to ensure better efficiency.
The final space is a common laundry area where children and staff wash dishes and clothes. It needed a major update. The biggest transformation was the leaking flooring, which was completely redone and poured over with cement and epoxy.
To liven up the space, the pipes were repainted and colorful murals were added to the walls. Outdoor-friendly metal shelves were placed for storage.
A Better Kuya Center
With the conclusion of Project Akbay, Kuya Center for Street Children has now become an embodiment of the dreams of its employees and children. Project Akbay’s success would have not been possible without the generous support of the project’s sponsors and partners as well as the creative minds of the people behind the project who put all their heart into giving Kuya Center’s Street Children a better home!
Here’s to hoping for the continuous growth of Project Akbay’s advocacy, which is to create a space that allows healing and growth for children, aiding in the reinforcement of their self-confidence and sense of belonging. •
