Attending the dinner gala at the World Architecture Festival was an experience that went far beyond a simple gathering. It was deeply important for me—not just to witness the remarkable winning projects showcased from around the world but to experience the depth of camaraderie, shared passion, and networking that this festival uniquely cultivates. As a small architectural practice from the southern Philippines, just being present was an affirmation of our place in the global architectural conversation.
The World Architecture Festival is one of the few spaces where firms of all sizes compete and collaborate democratically, a place where renowned firms stand shoulder to shoulder with lesser-known but no less ambitious practices like ours. At one point, a German firm asked me about the size of our practice. “We’re very, very small,” I replied, “from the southern Philippines.” They seemed genuinely curious about what “small” meant in our context, so I asked about theirs. “We’re considered small too,” they said, “with around 50 employees—100 would be midsize for us.” I was taken aback. “We’re fewer than 20,” I explained, “including part-timers and project-based contributors.” The Germans responded with a heartfelt round of applause, saying, “It’s amazing to be shortlisted even at your scale.”
That moment of encouragement left a mark. The warmth and genuine admiration from other architects and firms from around the world felt profoundly validating. It reminded me of my years studying in Melbourne, where people were so open-hearted and eager to uplift one another. I felt that same spirit here—a sense that everyone was a part of something greater, an architectural collective determined to shape a better tomorrow.
As I traveled back home, I reflected on the unique spirit of the World Architecture Festival and how, in many ways, regionalism has evolved here. The projects transcend borders; for instance, London firms are designing for Saudi Arabia, and Denmark-based Bjarke Ingels Group is creating a masterplan in Bhutan. Yet, what remains fundamentally “regional” is the intense dedication each firm demonstrates in researching every facet of the sites they work on. From delving into local cultures and philosophies to understanding community values, each project strives to respect and amplify its context, answering a universal question: How does this building impact the land it stands on?
This focus on meaningful integration was exemplified by Darlington Public School in Sydney, designed by fjcstudio. The school, tailored for a community with 75% Aboriginal students and teachers, sought to merge colonial architecture with Indigenous culture, a balance that seemed almost spiritual. As the firm presented, I felt a lump in my throat.
They had collaborated with an Aboriginal artist who created artwork woven into the walls and curved panels, celebrating Indigenous aesthetics within the historical brickwork. It was an emotional tribute to cultural convergence, a testament to architecture’s power to honor the past while looking to the future.
The judges were moved by fjcstudio’s approach, noting that the firm “explored and extended the formal programme of the client to include the views and experiences of the local community, and a variety of users… a building in which topography and landscape, inside and outside, form and materials, flow seamlessly in an unexpectedly delightful way.” In line with this year’s theme of “Tomorrow,” they celebrated the project as “an inspirational proposition about the acknowledgment and reconciliation of historic difference—a pointer to brighter, better futures for all.”
Another highlight was Turkish firm Emre Arolat Architecture, which won the Future Project of the Year for Küçükçekmece Djemevi. This project reimagined the concept of a mosque, deviating from traditional Islamic architecture to embrace humility as a core theme in worship. The images of the project were breathtaking, each capturing an evocative story.
In one photo, a woman in a red dress walked along a pathway with a slit of light above—a subtle yet powerful echo of humility. Another image showcased the stark, precise design, embodying the meticulous thought behind every detail. Every choice felt steeped in wisdom, every angle a dialogue with tradition and innovation.
The planning and programming of each project were explained with remarkable clarity, and in some cases, judges challenged the decisions made. Yet the overall winners responded with such conviction, it was clear they had thought through every choice meticulously, reinforcing their vision with undeniable strength.
Witnessing these works, mingling with international architects, and absorbing ideas from the festival, I felt deeply inspired and awakened. There’s a vast world out there, and it’s crucial for small firms in the Philippines to step up—not only to be exposed to these groundbreaking ideas but to engage as competitors, not just spectators. The importance of truly connecting with these global minds, learning from them, and building lasting networks cannot be understated. For every conversation at this festival, there’s a door opening, a chance to redefine what’s possible for our own practice and for the architectural landscape back home.