Newsletter: Eight Filipino projects make it to the prestigious WAF 2024

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The Loboc Performing Arts Center by Obra Majoralia Architecture, one of WAF 2024 Filipino design finalists

The Philippines once again takes the world stage in design as eight projects from across the country were shortlisted in eight categories at the prestigious World Architecture 2024 (WAF) all set to take place in Singapore from November 6 to 8, 2024.

This year’s roster of finalists features seven local firms that are new to the WAF as well as one firm that has previously competed in the festival. They will represent the country during the event in Singapore where they will present their projects in front of an esteemed panel of judges.

Hailing from Metro Manila are Archion Architects – their second year joining the competition – which was shortlisted under the Future Projects: Health Category for their project, Felicidad Sy Multi-Specialty Building located in Taft Avenue, Ermita, Metro Manila. Newcomer Bacungan Architects also qualified for the Future Projects: Competition Category for the project, The Waste-Wise House in North Caloocan, Metro Manila. Completing the representation from Metro Manila is Pluszerotwo Architecture which will make its debut at the WAF with the entry Balai Ani: House of Harvest in Angono Rizal, under the Future Projects: Residential Category.

From Cebu, three firms will also be defending their projects at WAF including LLG Architects Design Studio with their entry, The Rise at Monterazzas which is  shortlisted under the Future Projects: Residential Category. Obra Majoralia Architecture will be presenting their project, Loboc Performing Arts Center, Cebu Center under the Future Projects: Culture Category. Notably, this project also won the GROHE Young Visionaries Challenge. Lastly, San Studio will present their project, Interweaving Dualities: Reimagining City Hall Architecture in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, which made it to the Future Projects: Civic Category. The project is a Kanto Selection for the WAF Competition. 

Completing the list are two firms from Davao, LT Pagaduan Design Studio which is shortlisted under the Future Projects: Infrastructure Category for their project, New Public Market and Terminal Complex in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; and Swito Designs qualified under the Future Projects: Civic Category with their entry, Peace Building, in Maguindanao Del Norte Provincial Capitol, Davao City.

WAF 2024 finalists took part in practice crit sessions organized by WAF’s founding partner, GROHE led by (top from left) Alen Alban, Doni Dionisio, Sudar Khadka, Tina Periquet, Dom Galicia, Dan Lichauco, Enzo Belandres, LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) APAC Philippines leader Hermie Limbo, marketing Philippines leader Emily Besavilla, Joyce Javier, Winona Sayritan, GROHE & INAX trade marketing officer Fe Saplala and Camille Gagui, (bottom from left) LWT APAC Digital & E-commerce, Philippines leader Mik Serafica, GROHE Philippines brand leader Arian Zaragoza, LWT APAC American Standard leader, project sales Jorim Sampayan, and retail channel Philippines leader Ian Macaspac.

To get these designers ready and help boost their morale, the finalists recently took part in a series of preparatory events organized by WAF’s founding partner, GROHE, together with Kanto, Philippine WAF’s official media partner. 

“Every year, Filipino designers never fail to surprise us and make us proud of their ingenuity and artistry through the world-class projects they produce year after year. At GROHE, we remain committed in supporting them through these preparatory events to equip them with the proper tools they need to help them finish strong at the WAF,” said Hermie Limbo, country leader, Philippines, LIXIL Water Technology APAC.

Launched in 2008, the World Architecture Festival is the world’s largest annual international architectural event and includes panel discussions and talks by leading global architectural thinkers and industry personalities.   

To know more about the Filipino designers, follow GROHE’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GrohePacific. To know more about the World Architecture Festival, visit https://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/. 

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