A MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRED INTERIOR FOR THE SELECTED AREAS OF

THE OSMEÑA TOWER CONDOMINIUM LOCATED AT

OSMEÑA BOULEVARD, CEBU CITY

________________________________________________________________

A THESIS
Presented to the College of Architecture and Fine Arts
University of San Carlos – Technological Center
Cebu City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN

by

RHEA I. GELIG

March 2010
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS RESEARCH DESIGN

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

The Mediterranean has been a historic meeting point for ideas and
inspiration and for centuries, is the heart of Western civilization. The term
Mediterranean derives from the Latin word ‘mediterraneus’, meaning "in the
middle of earth" (medius, "middle" + terra, "land, earth"), and for the many people
who have lived around its shores that is exactly what it once was.

In the history, it was the cradle of Christianity which was founded on its
eastern shores, and the foundation for some of the great empires of the ancient
times which are the Persians, the Greek and the Roman. The legendary trading
power of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians depended upon it and later, in the
eighth century AD, the might of Islam swept right across it in the Moorish
conquest of Spain. Control of these waters has played a vital part in virtually
every European conflict ever since. Today, as a result of this political and
religious diversity, the peoples of the Mediterranean profess a variety of faiths
and speak approximately fifty different languages.

Its location, over two thousand miles from end to end, the Mediterranean
Sea is bordered by seventeen different countries. It is virtually landlocked, only
linked with the Atlantic Ocean at its western end by the Strait of Gibraltar which is
flanked by the two pillars of Hercules’s mythological tenth labour, now known as
Gibraltar to the north and Ceuta, in Morocco, to the south. At the eastern end,
the Mediterranean issues through the even narrower Bosphorus into the (also
landlocked) Black Sea and, since 1875, through the Suez Canal.

For centuries the natural and man-made wonders of the Mediterranean

have inspired countless artists and in the eighteenth century, in the days of the
Grand Tour, sons of the English well-to-do were dispatched to see the world, and
the art and architecture of the Mediterranean exerted a powerful influence. In the
twentieth century the cosmopolitan rich and famous established resorts on its
shores as a balmy escape from the rigours of the northern winter and soon,
millions of people flock to the region in search of the sun.

To appreciate the Mediterranean look in design or decoration is to ignore

the remarkable diversity of the region’s geographical and ethnographical span
and to draw out strong elements that occur throughout the region and combine to
create a unified and definable style. The beauties of the Mediterranean are its
nature, the scents of lavender, roses and jasmine, the brilliant colours of the sea
and sky, the bougainvillea blossoming wild at the roadside, its whitewashed
villages, its architectural treasures, its cuisine, and its wines contribute to the
wider influence of the region. The wonderful sense of warmth, light and sheer
well-being that springs to mind when even the word Mediterranean is spoken.
The evocation of this feel-good factor, intrinsic to this diverse and historic region,
is what makes the Mediterranean style so appealing.

Choosing a topic such as a style like Mediterranean gives us an overview

and a better understanding of the style, and to appreciate its beauty by showing
the beauty of the style. This research might give a broad wider view of what
Mediterranean style looks like and how one may apply it on their own homes and
be able to experience the sense of warmth, light and sheer well-being that comes
with it. There are many advantages that comes with this: one may apply the
characteristics of the style in their own homes, or part of their house, one may
feel the warmth of the style, and may feel like they are living in the Mediterranean
without leaving the country or tour to be able to see the beauty, learn on how to
incorporate the style or apply some of the style in some areas, and many others.

A sample of a situation may be that a couple married, one from the

Mediterranean and the other from Korea who decided to live in the United States
for at least ten years and would want their apartment to feel like home. What
comes to mind is to combine the styles of the Mediterranean and Asian style.
The problem is that the couple doesn’t have any knowledge in either of the
styles. So the solution would be to hire an interior designer. But another
problem comes up on the budget. They can’t afford to hire a professional interior
designer. The result is they have to research extensively on both styles, read at
least twenty books on the subject. This research may guide the readers about
the style and give specific details on what are the Mediterranean flooring, walls,
decors, details, upholstery, color, textures that they may choose and apply on
their own will and budget on specific areas of their own home.
Theoretical Framework

MEDITERRANEAN
STYLE

COLOUR WALLS AND WINDOWS FURNISHINGS

PALETTES FLOORS AND DOORS AND DISPLAY

Provencal Palette Paint Balcony Display

Dining

Greek Palette Tile Window Sill and Seat

Fabric Sitting areas

African Palette Stone and Slate Window Screen Bedrooms

Wood Shutters Display

Fabric

Fittings

Doors

OVERALL
DESIGN

Floor, Walls and Ceiling

Windows and Doors

Lighting

Furnishings and Display

 THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this research is to apply a Mediterranean inspired interior

for the selected areas in the Osmeña Tower Condominium located at 75 Osmeña
Boulevard, Cebu City.

Statement of the Problem

This study also aims to give the answer to the following requirements:

1. What are the characteristics of the Mediterranean interior?

1.1 Colour Palettes

1.2 Walls and Floors
1.3 Windows and Doors
1.4 Furnishings and Display

2. What are the chosen appropriate materials and finishes to be used for?

2.1 Flooring
2.2 Wall
2.3 Ceiling
2.4 Furnishings
2.5 Display

3. What should be the proper lighting effects?

3.1 Candlelight
3.2 Artificial light
Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is to be one of the sources of research for

future interior designers, home owners, institutions and society and to be used as
inspiration on designing their homes and spaces for a Mediterranean inspired
interior.

Students

This study will serve as basis or as a guide for students regarding

Mediterranean interior or the Mediterranean design concept. It maybe used as a
follow-up research.

Home owners, institution and society

So they will have an idea on what a Mediterranean inspired space would

look and feel like as they glance at the pictures of spaces and the details that is
being shown in this research.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research gathers data from sources such as the internet and at the
library. Also on interviews from the client, from an architect on the proposed plan
and advisers to ensure the overall design is fully a Mediterranean design concept
interior.

Research Environment

The site of this study is in Osmena Tower Condominium located in

Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City. The selected areas that will be renovated will be
the main living room, dining, kitchen, powder room, master bedroom with master
bathroom.

Research Respondents

The respondents of this research are the owners of the proposed areas of
the Osmena Tower Condominium, the architect involved and the advisers who
continuously suggest and advice. This is done by asking the client to know their
needs and find the solution to their needs.

Research Instrument

The research is done by the use of informal interviews and internet

researches, books, magazines and other related instruments. These were
compiled and sorted because of the convenience of the researchers and as well
as the respondents. The plans are drawn manually or with computer generated
drawings.

Research Procedures

The research is done by gathering data and treating the data. Informal
interviews are being done in specific places. Internet researches and related
books allowed the researcher to expand the already gathered information and
data gathered through careful observation of existing and mixed used plans and
photos of the site which is needed to analyze the proposal. The data is
rechecked and analyzed by the adviser. Information gathered from the internet
sources are checked and rechecked by consulting with the advisers and also by
backing it up with other gathered information to ensure it being accurate.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Books

Catherine Haig. “Mediterranean Style”. First Ed. New York: Abbeville press.
Copyright 1997

B. Magazines

Architectural Digest August 2008 ed.

Architectural Digest October 2008 ed.
Architectural Digest December 2007 ed.
Architectural Digest May 2006 ed.
Architectural Digest July 2006 ed.

C. Internet Sources

Architectural Digest. http://www.architecturaldigest.com

Dictionary. http://dictionary.reference.com
Encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org
Definition of Terms

1. Mediterranean – a style, which reflects simplicity and emphasizes the

beauty that is natural from the manipulation of light and
space. Colors are in the shades of white and more white
with the touches of blue and green.

2. Interior Designing – the profession of turning an empty space into a

functional one with the use of his artistic quality and
creativity.

3. Residential area - is a land use in which housing predominates, as

opposed to industrial and commercial areas.

4. Finishes - the manner in which an object is perfected or finished in its

preparation, or an effect imparted in finishing. The surface
coating or texture of wood, metal, etc.
A MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRED INTERIOR FOR THE SELECTED AREAS OF
THE OSMEÑA TOWER CONDOMINIUM LOCATED AT
OSMEÑA BOULEVARD, CEBU CITY

________________________________________________________________

A THESIS
Presented to the College of Architecture and Fine Arts
University of San Carlos – Technological Center
Cebu City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN

by

RHEA I. GELIG

March 2010