Architects of Filipino design shine at the 2015 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence
MANILA, Philippines - Portraying a contemporary perspective on Filipino architecture earned architects Gerard Joson, (main entrant), and Miguel Ricalde the Grand Award in this year’s Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Architecture recognition program for their design titled, “Sibol” (Growth).
This year, architects were challenged to design an international hot spring and wellness center resort complex with the following criteria: creativity of concept and its translation, reflective of Filipino culture with global appeal, use of innovative and appropriate technology, socio-economic sustainability or adapting green architecture and cost effectiveness. The complex is situated in Los Baños, Laguna where Mount Makiling is at the southwest foot and Laguna de Bay is bordered on the northeast, making it a perfect eco-tourism hub.
Architects Joson and Ricalde’s complex design epitomizes harmony with nature through patterns and spatial diagramming within the context of environment. Sibol, .the Tagalog word for sprout, directly manifests the idea of the whole project. “Situated between two critical environmental landmarks, Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling, it tries to negotiate its presence as seamless as possible to these existing contexts. “This is important because the site is at a critical junction that could either disrupt or harness the natural cycle of water flow from the mountain to the lake. This site can serve as a natural buffer and filter of water runoff which could help to mitigate flooding in the area,” architect Joson said.
The approach taken with the design paved the way for the implementation of innovative technology that would suit the global market without sacrificing the touch of Filipino personality in the structure. “With the active-relax progression of the complex, it will cater to Filipinos and foreigners’ appreciation of spaces. Spaces where interaction is most active within different users juxtaposed with intimate spaces for relief and relaxation areas. This could only be addressed by understating the Filipino personality of being too accommodating and reserved at the same time,” architect Joson explained.
The linkage of the structure and the nature blends with the culture of the different communities in Los Baños. They aim the complex to be the center of natural, historical, arts and culture, and science and technology of the area. “A complex that will revitalize the local tourism as a world-class tourism destination,” he added.
They used several strategies to achieve sustainability of the design while adapting the principles of green architecture. In their design, they implemented green roofing to protect the structure from extreme heat. The team suggests using Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator (TLSC) glass, a technology on solar power generation for contribution to energy dependence; passive cooling techniques; conversion of exposed roof to green roofs; and voronoi pattern. “Through the use of voronoi pattern, we were able to control the density of wall openings and in turn provided us with security, privacy and sun shading,” Joson added.
Grand awardee, Joson is a graduate of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, while his team member, Ricalde, finished his degree at the University of Santo Tomas. Joson is the principal architect and owner of Joson Design.
Joson has always wanted to be an architect since he was a high school student which made choosing his course in college a lot easier. “My first choice of school was UP Diliman, but unfortunately, I didn’t make the quota for the course and I had to take another course in UP Manila for a year and transfer the year after. This meant that I would be delayed for a year or enter architecture in UST instead and finish on time, I chose the first option,” he shared. Now, he is a professor at the UP College of Architecture as well. He is an architect known for his work on commercial fit-outs and hotel developments, while a bulk of it are residential projects. He describes Segara Villas in Subic as his most significant project so far that made him stay in the Philippines and start his own practice.
Joson sees the discipline of architecture as a profession being undervalued by society. However, he creates designs respectful of the Filipino culture and the environment. “In terms of developments, Filipinos tend to favor thematic architecture, which sometimes, totally disregard context,” he stressed. As a UP College of Architecture professor, he is able to guide his students to elevate always the Philippine architectural scene.
Architect Jayson Mata and team member architect Jelda Cabardo received the special citation for their design “Bamboo Tells.” Mata and Cabardo both finished and graduated from Cebu Institute of Technology.
Their design revolves around the concept of “experience” for guests without neglecting sustainability and culture. Mata and Cabardo aim to infuse experience of familiarity and belongingness. Their design is a clear reflection of Filipino culture as they use bamboo as the main material on their concept. “Bamboo was used as a primary material because of its beneficial impact to the environment and it creates a unique architectural solution for the project,” Mata said.
The villas presented are refreshing twists to bahay kubo and highlight how their design is aligned to socio-economic sustainability and green architecture. Mata added that bamboo will be primarily used for landscaping not only to give local aesthetics but it is also cost-effective because it is available nationwide.
Architect Angelo Serrano, main entrant and architect Jan Carlo San Luis are cited as National Finalists for their design “South Laguna Prime.” “South Laguna Prime” makes use of contemporary design blended with the natural environment inspired by Mount Makiling in Laguna. Other national finalists are architect Yonni Habulan, main entrant and architect Maricris Ngo for their design entitled “Tanikala.” On the other hand, the design solutions of “Tanikala” offer architectural structures designed to be in symbiotic relationship with the natural environment where it is situated.
“Sibol” and “Bamboo Tells” will be recognized during the MADE awarding ceremony on Sept. 24, at Le Pavillon, Pasay City. As grand awardees and special citation recipients, they will receive a financial assistance and a glass trophy designed by sculptor Noell El Farol. This year’s awardees will become part of the alumni group MADE-Network Of Winners (MADE-N.O.W.). MADE-N.O.W. implements pay-it-forward projects in communities.
Another highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of MADE Exhibition showcasing the top choices of the judges from which the winners were chosen. Meanwhile, MADE-N.O.W. Infinitum Exhibit will display artworks on round canvas on sale. The proceeds from the exhibit will support MADE-N.O.W’s art psychosocial intervention program “Project HeART.” MADE-N.O.W. is the alumni organization of former MADE awardees.
MADE will conduct an Art Exploration Lecture Series on September 25, for students. MADE-NTM Artworkshop for Teachers a free art workshop and cultural education exposure for teachers featuring the following art & culture activities will be held on September 26, in celebration of the National Teacher’s Month.
For information, call 898-8856, email Louise.calicdan@metrobank.com.ph or Henri.palma@metrobank .com.ph. or like the MADE facebook fanpage (Metrobank Art and Design Excellence).
