The Philippines stands poised once again to make a mark on the global architectural landscape, boasting a remarkable tally of 12 Filipino projects shortlisted across various categories for the esteemed World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2023. Scheduled from November 29 to December 1 in Singapore, this year’s representation from the Philippines is the largest to date, both in the number of projects and participating firms.
The roster of Filipino finalists encompasses a blend of newcomers and seasoned veterans who will vie for top honors, presenting their projects live before a distinguished panel of judges at the festival.
Among the fresh faces on the shortlist are five participants, including KJHP Design Group based in Pampanga, whose La Terrain project earned recognition in the Future Projects, Leisure-led Development category. Archion Architects joins the list with its Manta Corporate Plaza project in the Built Project, Office category, while PDP Architects secured a spot for its Damosa Diamond Tower project in the same category. Dominic Galicia Architects presents Kilyawan Farm Resort in the Built Project, Hotel and Leisure category, and Laurence Angeles of MLA At Home contributes the Microhomes for Ancestral Domains in the Built Project, Housing category, representing Davao.
Meanwhile, established firms making a return to WAF include Visionarch for the Carbon Cebu Trade and Expo Center in the Future Project, Commercial Mixed-Use category, Carlo Calma Consultancy with Hotel Elizabeth Resorts and Villas in the Built Project, Hotel and Leisure category, and WTA Architecture and Design Studio showcasing FEM Stadium in the Built Projects, Sport category.
Continuing their streak on the shortlist are Buensalido + Architects for the Pangasinan Barangay Centers in the Future Projects, Civic category, JRS + Partners with the St. Luke’s Medical Center New Hospital Building (NHB) in collaboration with ARUP, in the Future, Healthcare category, DST Design + Build for the Unfinished Basket project in the Built Project, Hotel and Leisure category, and Alero Design Studio in the Workplace (Small) category for its Alero Rebel Base project.
In preparation for the competition, the finalists engaged in Live Practice Crit Sessions organized by WAF’s founding partner, GROHE, in collaboration with Wilcon Depot and Kanto. This annual session provided invaluable insights from a panel of renowned architects and designers, aiming to enhance the designers’ readiness for the event.
“Humbled by the outstanding showcase of 12 Filipino entrants at the World Architecture Festival 2023, GROHE Philippines stands proud. It’s evidence of Filipino ingenuity and creativity on a global stage. We’re steadfast in our support for these Filipino firms through a series of activities and events gearing them up for the competition,” shared Hermie Limbo, country leader, Philippines, LIXIL Water Technology APAC.
For more information about the designers, follow GROHE’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GrohePacific. Explore further insights about the World Architecture Festival 2021 at https://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/.
