Table of contents for Volume 1, 2022 in BluPrint

A city is best showcased by its physical features and design. It is a collective field of forces continuously organizing itself and constantly in movement. Each city has its unique combination of modalities and ever-changing composition experienced by the people who live there or visit them. Public spaces are where transformative changes happen through citizen-driven plans, designs, and amenities. Collaboration demonstrates different ways of living, thinking, and acting. When done with purpose, it can develop a culturally resilient community. “Cultural Resilience is the internal energy, the inner force (or vitality) that allows the city to react to external forces, adapt to them, and conserve its specific identity in the long run, in spite of turbulent transformation processes, and to design new win-win solutions,” Nancy Duxbury wrote in her paper, Cultural…

Juggling the still-ongoing pandemic, economic crisis, political tensions and other global disputes, providing free labor seems to be an unrealistic concept today. Practically speaking, unpaid service has always been contentious in the creative industry. Architects, being one of the major proponents of the “say no to free design” movement, are living proof of businesses that thrive out of the wealthy. While we may see the profession advocating the right to access design, the industry inevitably poses the question on how much money are we willing to shed for beauty and functionality. But in between such struggles, should creative professionals harness their skills for the betterment of the community? Can we actually say “yes” to free design? BEYOND A PROFIT-MAKING BUSINESS The architecture industry is mass-marketed and deemed as a profit-making…

The pandemic changed the way we work overnight. We suddenly had to set up makeshift workspaces at home, which brought along a new set of challenges. Suddenly, the boundaries of work and rest, home and office were practically blurred. We were called to work for longer hours, and were even expected to be available outside work hours. It wasn’t ideal, but we all needed to make tweaks and adjustments to make it work as best as we can. Two years later, we are being called back to the office. While the pandemic isn’t over yet, the transition to the so-called new normal has begun. However, many still prefer to either work from home or work remotely. The latter option may actually be more preferable to those who need to step…

Design has the magnificent power to stimulate our senses through an experience, usher emotions through color, and even touch our spiritual side through ambiance. For Magnificat Niches Incorporated (MNI), they capture all three facets in columbariums for the dearly departed both locally and internationally. RISEN FOR THE FALLEN Columbariums and cremation gained a resurgence over the past couple of years, especially with COVID-19 protocols. Data suggests that cremation in Metro Manila has been on an upswing, showing that of the 75,000 deaths in the region every year, close to 10% get cremated. Pandemic aside, trends show that cremation is more preferred. This makes sanctuaries and memorial spaces high in demand. Recognizing the need for sleek, space-saving, and cost-efficient columbarium niches, MNI was established. MNI is a SEC-registered, wholly Filipino-owned company…

The world of architecture has changed over time, driven by modernization and shifting preferences. Advanced technology paved the way to the creation of unconventional developments and bold projects that inspire circles of professionals and the public eye. Sustainability becomes even more integrated with architectural plans, challenging traditional designs while encouraging innovation. Amid all these, one thing stands: Architecture plays a critical role in addressing the fundamental goals of the city or a country it inhibits. It pushes boundaries in order to amplify the individuality, culture, and aspirations of a society. One of Singapore’s newest structures epitomizes this pivotal role of architecture in today’s world. With its exceptional concept and cutting-edge design, CapitaSpring is transforming the beauty of the country’s skyline to a whole new level. Singaporean developer CapitaLand collaborated with…

JOANNE MARIE CAMELLO is a licensed architect, planner, writer and graphic designer based in Milan. An alumnus of University of Santo Tomas, she’s currently taking her Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Policy Design in Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Lingering in the broad field of architecture and planning industry, her work experience in Manila, Milan and San Francisco ranges from business development, architectural design, urban design, and large-scale real estate planning and development. Outside work and study, she enjoys film photography and K-dramas. ALEXA SANTICO ARANAZ is the Business Development Manager at WTA Architecture and Design Studio. She completed her post-graduate degree in Urban Planning at the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning in 2018. At WTA, she works alongside passionate and synergetic architects and designers with whom she…

We devote a significant portion of our days to work. As such, it’s important that our workplaces are not only conducive or well-equipped, but also safe spaces that support physical and mental health. Decades of studies and research have proven time and time again that happy and healthy employees are more productive at work. It only takes one sick day to see how health plays a crucial role in an employee’s performance. Fortunately, we now live in an age of heightened awareness on the weight of healthy workspaces, positive work culture, and better working conditions. Still, it took a modern-day pandemic to further underscore the necessary changes for where and how we work. The air we breathe, the way our workstations are lit, work-life balance, and even the overall look…

In today’s society, architecture and interior design have become some of the most important practices that can help society regain its humanity after the pandemic’s grim effects. Among the many local architects working to leave a bigger mark on the local architecture scene is Alex Medalla of Arkinamix. His Cebu-based architecture firm is recognized as one of the homes of progressive designers who are probably constantly working the inner cogs of their minds to make a difference in the local architecture scene. Architect Medalla for one, is already known for having a vocabulary (and an architectural style) that doesn’t include the word “mediocre” or anything related. A man whose career motto is “Improvise, adapt, and overcome,” he leans more towards the expressive side of architecture, highlighting that architecture is “frozen…

The Ayala Museum has long been a bastion of culture in the metro. The exhibits contextualize the Philippines’ historic struggles as a nation that is continually seeking to define itself despite our history of conquest and colonization. The institution is a space that reflects the vibrant cultural dynamic of the area, and the country as a whole. After more than two years in renovation, the museum reopened in December 2021. The design team, led by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, was tasked to reimagine the original building. Refurbished galleries house the museum’s treasured classics as well as contemporary collections, linking the past to the present. The team’s inclusion of Japan-based architect Taku Shimizu ensured a multicultural approach to the new lobby’s design, while a group of young designers brought a stunningly…