Filipino architects at WAF: Celebrating architecture

The 2022 World Architecture Festival (WAF) was held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 in Lisbon, Portugal. This event brought together architects, and other professionals to celebrate and recognize the best in architecture.

Joined by thousands of companies all over the world, the Philippines was able to produce 10 brilliant architects as finalists. The list included several veterans of the festival such as BAAD Studio, Jorge Yulo Architects & Associates, Royal Pineda Plus, and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, along with first time participants BERSABARC Design Studio, DST Design, HANDS Studio, and Studio Fuerzo. The entries included residential homes and masterplans, hospitality and future concepts.

Global dialogue

Being part of WAF is an amazing experience and provides our architects with incredible exposure to the global dialogue on architecture.

Attending WAF and watching different architects present their ideas are an eyeopener. It is an amazing venue for sharing and coming together. Being together reminds us why we do architecture: because architecture is an incredible vehicle to push for a better world.

It is always good to see how Philippine architecture can compete with the world’s best. We see our strengths and weaknesses, where we excel, and where we need to improve. It shows how architecture is more than just building structures—but also about ideas that matter. We need to keep pursuing platforms like WAF to constantly improve how architecture is done in our country.

Nurturing passion

The WAF experience was an amazing event and we need this kind of experiential fun to nurture our passion for architecture. At the same time, it is an eyeopener for what architecture can be.

We need to celebrate architecture and design more. We need to highlight and celebrate good design in our country—celebrate our wins and promote the best pieces of work in our country. We need a comprehensive program to showcase our best practices and develop Philippine architecture so it can be a vital part of nationbuilding and help define our Filipino identity. This will increase awareness about good architecture and elevate the image of Filipino architects both locally and internationally.

The Filipino participation at WAF has been undoubtedly one of success and recognition, with numerous projects being recognized for their excellence in design and innovation. Yet there is so much more we can do.

We can help boost the image of our country beyond poverty as a progressive, innovative and youthful country. Filipino architects are talented enough to push the boundaries of design, define the Filipino identity, and incorporate our ideas into our work, making a significant contribution to the global architecture industry.

We do not need meaningless self congratulations. We must look forward and beyond. Find the ideas that matter. Architecture is for everyone, not just the built form, but the process as well.

This week’s column was co-written by Fernando Cunanan. Design exploration requires the input of everyone in our community. We invite everyone to come join our explorations on the human environment. Join us on Instagram @wtadesignstudio and @entrari