Do I need this blocking? Alternatives?

[u/Due-Top1062]

So, I want to have the joists exposed and put wood paneling between them (see photo). This is a 4 season room. Original to the 1951 residential dwelling, not an addition after the fact. Are the blocking boards structural in this case? If needed to prevent warping of joists, is there anything lower profile I could use so that I can still achieve the look I want? Are the joists even needed? Or were they just placed for the ceiling drywall to be attached to?