Congratulations to renowned Filipino designers architect William Ti, Budji Layug and Royal Pineda and architect Jason Buensalido for receiving high commendations for their groundbreaking entries at this year’s World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2021, one of the world’s most prestigious annual festivals and annual awards ceremonies dedicated to architecture and the development industry, palanggas.
Ti of WTA Architecture and Design Studio’s Horizon Manila reclamation masterplan was declared the “Project of the Year” at the World Architecture Futures (WAFX). His other project, the Emergency Quarantine Facility, was also an entry to the WAF.
Brilliant designers Layug and Pineda of the BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design were highly commended by a panel of international designers for their New Clark City Athletic Stadium project under the Completed Buildings–Sport category.
Buensalido of the Buensalido Architects was highly commended for his Interweave Building, which was shortlisted in two categories: Completed Buildings-School and Completed Buildings-Best Use of Color.
Prior to the WAF 2021 event, German company GROHE, a founding partner of WAF, hosted a series of crit sessions to help this year’s Filipino finalists prepare for their presentation, through the support of their fellow local designers.
This is the year when WAF shortlisted the most number of Filipino projects, with nine Filipino design entries at the WAF including architect Jaemi Cruz and interior designer Jesy Cruz of Alero Design Studio — second-timers of WAF — for their Memory Hall Imprints; architect Yonni Habulan of Habúlan and Ngo Design Studio Hands for their Farms of Feasts project; and Buensalido’s second entry, Fragmented to Free.
Also making it to the list was in-demand architect Jorge Yulo for La Cabaña de Resureccion. Lastly, architect Carlo Calma, who received double nods for his projects Cagbalete Sand Clusters and Museum for Architecture + Residences with lead designer Sou Fujimoto Architects.
Online category judging formed a cornerstone of the 2021 WAF digital edition, with finalists for major awards including “World Building of the Year,” “Future Project of the Year,” “Interior of the Year” and “Landscape of the Year.”
Congratulations to the world-class Filipino architects and designers, who earned high praises at the World Architecture Festival 2021, dahlings!