Dezeen School Shows: a fashion collection that uses waves to symbolise gender fluidity is among the student projects from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Also featured is a cat carrier designed to cater to animal needs, and a proposal to build green spaces for wellbeing in Metro Manila, Philippines.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

Institution: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Courses: Architecture, Fashion and Merchandising, Industrial Design and Interior Design

School statement:

"De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde envisions itself as an inclusive and innovative community trailblazing extraordinarily in the creative, digital and service industries in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

"Faithful to our Lasallian heritage, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is committed to building a just and humane society. We provide human and Christian formation that is accessible to the underserved and diversely gifted persons."

Through and Beyond Lila's Doorstep by Angelica Clarisse A Tiu

"This study examines the developmental vulnerabilities of children, referred to as 'Lilas', aged zero to eight years in the poorest communities of the Philippines.

"It was found that 4.1 million Lilas experience low academic performance, poor health, mental issues and limited future opportunities, largely due to inadequate policy implementation.

"The study proposes a solution through a participatory design process. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory, place attachment theory and restorative environmental design, this research aims to create safe and stimulating environments for children aged four to six.

"By integrating theory and participatory practices, this study underscores the importance of collective action, adaptation and acceptance, while advocating for environments that transform challenges of slum living into opportunities for growth and learning."

Student: Angelica Clarisse A Tiu
Email: tiu22angelica[at]gmail.com

Fragments of Plastic: a response to plastic waste management by Rodcon Roy B Villas

"Laguna de Bay, the Philippines' largest freshwater lake, has become increasingly burdened by plastic waste, particularly beneath bridges and along riverbanks, which serve as plastic accumulation zones due to local community disengagement with plastic waste initiatives.

"With that, this thesis explores how phenomenology-driven architectural interventions can transform these plastic accumulation zones into spaces that serve as cognitive and behavioural stimuli, fostering consciousness and action.

"By employing micro-architectural interventions defined as sensory nodes, the project leverages diffusion of innovation theory to reshape perceptions of plastic waste. This is reinforced by cognitive dissonance theory to recalibrate human-environment relationships through spatial experiences.

"Furthermore, the thesis proposes an architectural system that thrives through community interaction, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.

"This approach makes use of an adaptive architectural language that responds to existing social structures and the evolving cultural landscape of plastic waste management.

"By challenging conventional 'clean and green' approaches through cognitive engineering, these interventions encourage participation and collaboration to construct an architectural system where spatial experiences serve as catalysts for sustained environmental awareness and behavioural change."

Student: Rodcon Roy B Villas
Email: rodconvillas32[at]gmail.com

Comfort Nostalgia by Khatyanna Tongson

"This collection provides you with an eclectic, nostalgic and story-driven design that commemorates all the grandmothers who raised and moulded us into the person we are today.

"The main idea for this collection is to feel you are in the comforts of your grandmother's home with certain interior elements that are universally seen, like draped curtains, embroidered and ruffled throw pillows, floral prints, cross stitch art, old photographs, revultos, ceramics and trinkets.

"The design and visuals of this collection will provide nostalgia from our childhood with elevated twists from today's fashion trends.

"The Comfort Nostalgia collection is maximalist with a variety of textile textures and fabric manipulation techniques (like embroidery, crossstitch, smocking and pleating), and minimal use of pastel colours.

"This will bring balance of both visual elements without clashing and still calming to the eyes for the wearer and watcher."

Student: Khatyanna Tongson
Email: kla.studiosph[at]gmail.com

Redesignde Rickshaw Sidecare Chassis (Agabaya) by Ralph Gabriel Quintos

"The Agbaya is a multifunctional mobility solution engineered for resilience, adaptability and safety.

"Developed with a modular frame and corrosion-resistant materials, this versatile apparatus seamlessly transforms from a traditional passenger sidecar into an emergency life raft during urban flooding.

"Its streamlined form emphasises function over ornament, integrating utility-focused features such as quick-release joints, buoyant panels and reinforced support bars.

"Designed for dense urban environments and unpredictable weather conditions, the chassis embodies industrial design principles – where practicality, durability and human-centred solutions converge."

Student: Ralph Gabriel Quintos
Email: rlphaplnr[at]gmail.com

Design of a Hybrid Compact Palay Drying System by John Dence Flore

"The Anihon Compact Dryer is a drying system for palay (rice).

"It is intended for small farms and local cooperatives, as a weather-independent machine to help farmers assess unpredictable weather conditions, allowing for year consistent year-round drying."

Student: John Dence Flore
Email: jdenceflores[at]gmail.com

Design of a Pet Carrier with Active Cooling for Cats (Peplab) by Enrico Velasquez

"The Peplab Active Cooling Carrier is a smart pet travel solution designed to keep cats comfortable, safe and stress-free during trips.

"Featuring an integrated cooling module to combat heat stress, a detachable litter box and customisable side plates, Peplab offers a versatile and ergonomic approach to pet transport.

"The system prioritises both pet wellbeing and owner convenience, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

"Peplab also fosters a stronger bond between pets and owners by making travel safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable for both."

Student: Enrico Velasquez
Email: enricomcv[at]gmail.com

Open Door: Unlocking Potentials and Transforming Lives by Richette Andrea Cuvin

"This project is a transformative initiative that empowers out-of-school youth (OSY) through a flexible and inclusive learning environment.

"Addressing the Philippines' education crisis, the project aims to break cycles of vulnerability and create opportunities for growth, skill development and community engagement.

"It provides a space where OSY can learn, grow and thrive regardless of prior educational experience, socioeconomic background or personal circumstances.

"Through the power of design, the OSY will have a platform that understands and supports their individual journeys, helping them unlock their full potential, overcome challenges and establish a brighter future."

Student: Richette Andrea Cuvin
Email: cuvinrichetteandrea[at]gmail.com

Da-an: An Urban Refuge by Emylia Ginelle Poblete

"This project explores the urgent need for green public spaces in Metro Manila that prioritise wellbeing. Designed to reclaim liminal spaces in one of the world's most densely populated cities, this commuter hub offers a place to pause, recharge and relax.

"Its layout separates public from private zones, centring around inner courtyards that frame views of nature. As a transitional space, it invites moments of rest in the commuter lounge or music pods.

"The selected colour palette uses orange for high-energy, social areas and blue for calming, secluded environments. Da-an, meaning 'passageway' in Filipino, reimagines what an urban refuge can be in a city where accessible public spaces are scarce."

Student: Emylia Ginelle Poblete
Email: ginellepoblete[at]gmail.com

Balud by Alessandra Caamic

"Balud is a collection inspired by the rhythm and movement of ocean waves. Drawing from the Bisaya word 'balud', meaning wave, it symbolises gender fluidity and the ever-changing nature of identity.

"The collection reimagines the Barong Tagalog and similar traditional wear through a gender-neutral lens, blending heritage with modern versatility.

"Infused with elements of the sea and ocean, Balud celebrates cultural pride and inclusivity.

"As a proud Cebuana, Alessandra Caamic integrates Visayan roots into contemporary design, creating timeless pieces that transcend gender norms – effortlessly bridging tradition and modernity, elegance and freedom of expression."

Student: Alessandra Caamic
Email: info.alessandracaamic[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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