Pamana
self-directed thesis studio with Bill Pechet
April 21, 2023
pamāna [noun] heritage, legacy
Food is a powerful symbol of cultural identity and often serves as an intimate, unifying element in gatherings. This project explores the impact of meals, through analyzing the table-scape, by examining local traditions, tropical vernacular, and a return to slow food practices. Drawing from my Filipino heritage, which places significant importance on food, I designed a modern ritual feast inspired by pre-colonial practice, reinforced through tableware. By incorporating vernacular building technologies and honoring local folklore and tradition, the tableware's form and function align with heritage ingredients and narratives. With replication and decomposition in mind, the design will serve as a token of cultural preservation and economic growth for communities.
Materials: Abaca fiber, Banana leaf, Twine, Clay, Mother of Pearl, Bamboo, Wood, Coconut Shell
As part of the "big in small" studio theme, the assignment required students to create a conceptual landscape to explore the significant role of small elements in the world, highlighting how even the tiniest creations were intertwined with vast political, cultural, and ecological frameworks. Simultaneously, the studio acknowledged the joy and creative potential inherent in designing small objects and spaces, bridging the gap between material manipulation and exploration of broader cultural and environmental contexts.
The eight vessels are representative of the eight major deities of Philippine mythology. Animism, nature, and slow practices are celebrated as time passes, allowing the number of vessels and roles to grow over time.
An imagined menu for a family’s heritage meal reflects how vessel designs are influenced by the ways in which specific ingredients are sourced, prepared, and consumed.