Table of contents for Volume 2, 2022 in BluPrint

Traveling through the provinces of the Philippines will reveal the prevalence of traditional Filipino architecture. Our renowned bahay kubo is still around, particularly in places where development is sluggish. Although the specifics of the plan may have varied, the basic idea of an A-framed roof atop a house perched on stilts remained. The Filipino bahay kubo existed long before any of the foreign occupations that profoundly impacted Philippine architecture. It was constructed from native materials like nipa (a type of palm fiber), grass, local wood, and bamboo. The bahay kubo may not have been the most durable shelter, especially during typhoons, but in one way or another, it helped builders understand how each material performed. One of the more resilient local materials used in the hut’s construction is bamboo, which…

Originally slated to open back in 2020, Samsung Performing Arts Theater had to overcome delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic before finally opening its doors just last month in time for the return of performing arts events throughout the country. Its location at Circuit Makati, formerly known as Sta. Ana racetrack, provided the inspiration for its 1500-seater horseshoe theater layout that offers a great vantage point for the patrons from each seating level. This Ayala Land, Inc-owned performing arts facility was designed with the help of US-based Theatre Projects Consultants and sound design experts Akustiks. It was built in partnership with GF & Partners Architects, in collaboration with Calliston RTKL. For the team, the goal was simple: to create a one-of-a-kind, world-class stage that would house some of the…

To become the “People’s Theater” once again and to be a space where the Philippine arts and culture could flourish was the driving force for the restoration of Manila Metropolitan Theater that opened its doors again to the public last December 10, the same date that the theater was inaugurated 90 years ago in 1931. Simply known as the MET, the theater was designed by architect Juan Arellano, the theater served as the venue for well known artists to showcase their works and where budding artists presented their craft for the first time in the industry. Not only was this a meeting place for the arts, but the theater itself, being a one-of-a-kind Art Deco building of its grandeur and stature in Asia, was known for being a symbol for…

Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. Modernism reinterpreted what it meant to appreciate beauty in architecture by emphasizing simplicity and the idea that less is more when it comes to appearance and detail. That is why today, some buildings are designed with minimalism in mind; where subtle accents are preferred over bold styles. Places of education are no exception. However, it is also true that schools reflect both minimalist and maximalist design styles. Some universities, especially those whose formation date back to decades, if not centuries, their building’s architecture reflects whatever was the prevalent style during its inception. On the other end of the spectrum, more recently established schools appear modern, functional, yet impersonal. Schools are required to be constructed with the needs of…

Music is the universal language of humanity. It has the power to transform a person’s mood, entertain, and express feelings through lyrics and instruments. Hungary has made significant contributions to folk, classical, and contemporary music over the years. It is home to some of the world’s greatest composers, such as Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, György Ligeti and Zoltán Kocsis. Budapest, Hungary is a historic center of music in Europe for both classical music repertoire and Hungarian folk traditions. Despite the country’s contributions to the history of music, it doesn’t have a center that provides a comprehensive overview of its legacy. As part of the Liget Budapest Project, Europe’s largest and most ambitious Cultural Development, the House of Music became a contemporary cultural landmark dedicated to music in Budapest.…

While a young nation compared to its southeast Asian neighboring countries, Singapore prides itself with diverse culture and rich history. It amplifies the role of all forms of art in nurturing the future generation by creating platforms that increases knowledge and encourages artistic inspirations. From traditional and modern to futuristic museums and galleries, the country brims with structures that houses stellar works of art. In 2011, the country opens the ArtScience Museum. It is the world’s first ArtScience Museum which shortly became an iconic part of the Singapore skyline. Its cutting-edge shape like a giant lotus has been dubbed as “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore” by Mr. Sheldon Adelson, chairman of Las Vegas Corporation. The title aptly matches the museum as it has become part of international travelers’ itineraries and…

The National Museum of Singapore sets a path to the discovery of momentous events and stories that has shaped the country. It is a place where social history, culture, and developmental milestones take the center stage. To stay relevant, the museum imbues an immersive voyage storytelling approach that creatively presents historical events–from colonial times and independence story to highlights of the developmental trajectory. Combining multimedia with traditional presentation of artifacts, visitors are treated with an entertaining way of understanding history. The National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest existing museum. It serves as an eyewitness to the evolution of culture and history. But how did a 173-year-old museum preserve its beauty while conserving its rich history? How did it evolve over the years and what role did architecture play…

Banks are an integral part of the society. Over the years, they have helped citizens start up their businesses that boost the economy. In the Philippines, one of the oldest banks is China Bank. Founded in 1920 by Dee C. Chuan, dubbed as the Philippine’s lumber king and one of the richest men in the country, China Bank had financed two greatest Filipino taipans: Henry Sy Sr. and John Gokongwei Jr. China Bank commenced its operation in its first home at No. 90 Rosario Street, Binondo, which is considered today as the largest and oldest Chinatown in the world. Four years later, the Bank moved to its own building at Juan Luna Street corner Dasmariñas Street, Binondo. A number of Filipino-Chinese taipans considered the new office as a lucky place.…