PIA aims to push green architecture awareness

CEBU, Philippines - To address the adverse effects and present environmental deterioration of climate change, the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA) aims to promote an industry-wide paradigm shift on green architecture and sustainable design

With the theme dubbed as “Touching Earth, Touching Lives”, the organization is currently celebrating its 80th National Convention at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino from February 21 to 24.

Architect Cris Cyril Abbu of PIA said that there is a need for a change of mindset on sustainability, adaptability and liveability in present situations.

He added that there should also be a heightened awareness among industry players that going green in architecture entails less use of resources and management costs since sustainable design maximizes renewable materials and environmental resources that can be found in the surroundings.

Basic practices of green architecture that he cited include solar energy, natural ventilation, rain water harvesting, waste water treatment, and wind orientation.

Water catchment for instance, he said, is needed to prevent rainwater from excessively flowing to the streets that might cause flooding.

“Most of us know but not most of us practice. Developers think it is added cost but it’s actually not. It’s cost-efficient as a matter of fact,” Abbu stated.

Apart from conducting seminars and lectures, PIA aims to strengthen the ethical side of architectural practice, educate the clients and merge partnerships with the private sector and non-government agencies towards the promotion of sustainable development.

As of now, Abbu said that there is no green building yet in Cebu.

The national organization started with its advocacy on green architecture two years ago.

Architect Germain Ang, convention chairman, said that the yearly event is primarily focused on the provision of continued education among architects to upgrade their knowledge for the industry.

She noted that with the booming investment climate in Cebu, the architectural sector enjoys a robust growth in terms of infrastructure and construction.

“It has always been our intention to upgrade our knowledge and give more opportunities. This is going to be a break for us as we expose ourselves to clients, suppliers and to the market,” she said.

The four-day convention will feature 33 exhibitors from all over the country.

It is expected to gather 150 attendees.

PIA has more than 1000 members of which 50 active members are from Cebu.

The architectural duo of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa called SANAA will also feature their designs and buildings of ethereal quality.

The convention will serve as a venue for seminars on design, architecture and planning such as “Sustainable Housing in the Time of Climate Change” by KundoldibyaPanitchpakdi and “Balancing Conservation and Development in Historic Town Centers” by DosadeeThaitakoo.

Cebu was also able to host the institute’s national convention in 1996. (FREEMAN)