I-wall : an innovative indigenous wall panel / Christian Edward B. Macariola.

Master's thesis.

College of Architecture and Fine Arts. -- Masters in Graphics Technology : Technological University of the Philippines, 2024.

Includes bibliography.

There are thousands of ways in which humans can utilize the beauty of nature and with that, coming up with new and interesting products for the customers is the topmost challenge for artisans and designers in their everyday life. Utilization of indigenous materials can be a good help especially since it offers not just a stunning look at homes but also its environmental quality is sought in the current society. The study titled “I-WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel” are panel that can use as partition/divider, blinds and accent to a particular room. It is made of indigenous materials such as bamboo and abaca.

The Study aimed to accomplish the following objectives: first is to determine the guidelines and standard parameters in designing an “I-WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel”; second is to design and develop; third is to fabricate; and last one is to evaluate the level of acceptability of the design of an “I-WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel in terms of aesthetic, functionality, durability, safety, workability, and economy.

The developmental method of research was applied in this study wherein the researcher design and developed an “I-WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel”. The study used a descriptive questionnaire that will measure the acceptability of the product. The respondents of the study were composed of 30 respondents chosen in purposive sampling.

Amongst the six parameters in the level of the acceptability of the “I- WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel”, in term of Aesthetic and Workability got a descriptive rating of a very highly acceptable with an average weighted mean of 4.56 and 4.52 respectively, which mean the product is aesthetically appealing and easy to reproduce because of the materials used. Meanwhile, Functionality got an average weighted mean of 4.38, Durability with 4.38, Safety with 4.43, and Economy with 3.69, which had the same descriptive rating of highly acceptable from the respondents. Overall, the level of acceptability of an “I-WALL: An Innovative Indigenous Wall Panel” got a grand total weighted mean of 4.31 with descriptive rating of Highly Acceptable.

Base on the findings, the researcher concluded that following the guidelines and the design parameters should help the researcher in conceptualizing the design of an I-WALL. Meanwhile, the combination of two indigenous materials such as bamboo for rail base and weave abaca for blinds should add the aesthetic appeal to the product. Lastly, because of the combination and availability of the used materials, the fabrication become easier
but the quality is still remained.

However, the evaluator recommended to add more panels to lengthen the size, find ways on how to fold the panel, and make the design more versatile and adaptable to different room. Secondly, consider to use blue torch to decorate the bamboo. Lastly, promoting the weaving process to locals for their extra incomes, and also to lower the price of the product to make it more economical.