In the talented and ever-growing tapestry of interior design, few can weave dreams into tangible spaces like Godfrey R. Bagood, a 4th-year Interior Design student at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) who emerged as one of the Top 7 semi-finalists at the prestigious 21st Estilo De Veda, as announced on their official Facebook page on Wednesday, September 25.
Regarding his concept as “a sanctuary for seniors”, Bagood’s design for a dementia care facility captured the attention of the competition’s panel of judges mainly composed of architects, interior designers, and medical practitioners.
“My design aimed to create a sanctuary for seniors, a place where both their memories and present lives are honored,” Bagood explained. “It’s about making them feel at home in a space that fosters connection and care.”
His winning design concept, “Paghinumdom” is rooted in the Cebuano term that means to remember, recall, and reminisce, this transcended a narrative of comfort, compassion, and inclusive vision for senior living, where both memories and present lives are honored and celebrated in a supportive space and a holistic approach fostering a sense of belonging, identity, and connection.
“My design approach for the dementia daycare center is guided by the Montessori method, focusing on multi-sensory stimulation, independence, and personalized activities. It provides an adaptable nurturing environment with interactive spaces and an intuitive layout that fosters cognitive engagement and emotional well-being. The space is integrated with familiar elements to enhance daily experiences and social interactions,” he shared.
Moreover, with a vision of building a haven for seniors, he integrated a design inspiration that mirrors his knowledge and an approach to functional aesthetics.
“Kaban or baul is a traditional Filipino vessel used for storing important items. It serves as a repository of memories — an apt inspiration for people living with dementia. This design draws from the intricate patterns found in shell inlays, particularly a version of the “overlapping circles” motif, also known as the Vesica Piscis or Flower of Life pattern. This pattern is prevalent in ornamental architecture, textiles, and both ancient and modern art, symbolizing symmetry and harmony across cultures. There are several things to consider, including accessibility, flexibility, cognitive engagement, and color picking,” Bagood added.
The competition, which stands as the country’s premier interschool interior design event, accepted 232 entries from students across 16 prestigious schools nationwide. Despite the competitive pool of applicants, Bagood’s design rose to the top even though he himself faced the significant challenges along the way, especially concerning his mental health.
“My biggest challenge is my mental health, recently I encountered a battle in my head and I don’t have the energy to do the things. I realized that the theme was perfectly suited for me entitled “Embracing Memories, Embracing Lives” a sign to keep me going whatever it takes.”
“To overcome these challenges, I focused on time management and remained flexible in my approach,” Godfrey added.
This milestone marks just the beginning for Godfrey, and it also signifies a victory for the Interior Design Department of EVSU. His achievement highlights the department’s role in propelling its students toward new horizons and reshaping the interior design industry.
“As an interior design student, I see the future of interior design embracing sustainability, personalization, and integration of smart technology. I envision myself contributing to this future by creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and eco-conscious, helping to shape a design world that values innovation and well-being,” he stated with conviction.
This remarkable journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance that infuse the world of design. As Godfrey Bagood continues to embark on his journey, he invites us to see the world through a lens of possibility, reminding us that every space holds the potential to tell a story and inspire change.
Article by Christalyn Marie Tiunayan