Legarda supports Philippine participation in Venice Architecture Biennale

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda has expressed full support for the Philippines’ participation in the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. She is enthusiastic about the Philippine exhibit because “this is not only a showcase of architectural brilliance but also sends the message of resilience – the resilient Filipino spirit and the need to build back stronger communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan.” The Philippines will participate in the collateral event “Time Space Existence” exhibit organized by the Global Art Affairs Foundation, from June 7 to Nov. 23.

The Philippine exhibit includes architectural proposals for the rehabilitation of Haiyan-affected towns from Prof. Jose Danilo Silvestre, Prof. Gerard Rey Lico and their students at UP Diliman College of Architecture. Part of the Philippine exhibit is a design and scale model of a self-built emergency kit shelter utilizing bamboo, sawali and a combination of other readily available materials, which was designed by Silvestre and his students. The Philippine participation, which is the first time ever, was made possible through the generous support of René Rietmeyer, a Dutch artist who is known for his own art form expressed through “Boxes” and views his works as proof of his existence within time and space.