Feature Stories - Page 2 of 22 - Filipina Architect Magazine

: March 24, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Why White is the “In” Thing for Restaurants and Cafés Right Now

If you’ve been café-hopping or dining out lately, you’ve probably noticed a pattern—white is everywhere. White walls, white tiles, white tables, even white coffee cups. It’s not just a coincidence; it’s a design trend that’s taken over the restaurant and café scene. But what’s the deal? Why is everyone obsessed with white these days? Let’s break it down. It’s a Blank Canvas (And That’s a Good Thing)One of the biggest…

architecture magazine in the Philippines (1)

: March 19, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Designing for the Future: A Sustainable Vision for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Tagum City

As environmental challenges continue to shape the way we live and build, the importance of aligning architecture with sustainability has never been more urgent. The proposed office design for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Tagum City embodies this shift, representing a forward-thinking approach that blends architectural innovation with ecological responsibility. This design is more than just an office—it’s a statement of purpose. It reflects the agency’s core mission…

: March 18, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Of Love and Faith: Why “Gayuma” Are Sold Beside Catholic Churches in the Philippines

Walk around many Catholic churches in the Philippines, and you might notice something curious just outside the gates: vendors selling candles, amulets, herbal oils—and yes, even gayuma. These so-called love potions or charms are often tucked beside religious images of saints and rosaries, displayed as part of a marketplace that seems to blur the line between the sacred and the mystical. It’s a sight that raises eyebrows: How can love…

: March 14, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Comparative Insights: Sub-Saharan and Mindanao Architecture in Cultural Context

Comparative Insights: Sub-Saharan and Mindanao Architecture in Cultural Context Architecture is more than shelter—it is a physical expression of a people’s identity, values, and ways of life. Across the world, traditional architecture reflects environmental adaptation, social organization, spiritual belief systems, and cultural aesthetics. In this context, a comparative examination of Sub-Saharan African architecture and Mindanao architecture in the southern Philippines provides rich insights into how built environments serve as living…

: March 11, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Designing for Connection and Purpose: A Contemporary Interior Renovation of the University of San Carlos’ Office of Recruitment and Admissions

In the realm of academic institutions, the spaces students first encounter often serve as more than just functional environments—they communicate values, culture, and identity. The University of San Carlos (USC), one of the Philippines’ premier educational institutions, has taken a bold and thoughtful step in aligning its infrastructure with its mission to welcome, nurture, and inspire. Through a collaborative initiative with the Interior Design program of the School of Architecture,…

: March 10, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Scholarships for Filipino Architects Pursuing Master’s Degrees Abroad

For aspiring Filipino architects looking to pursue a master’s degree abroad, scholarships can open the door to world-class education, cultural exchange, and global professional development. Studying architecture overseas can be a transformative experience, providing exposure to cutting-edge design philosophies, sustainable architecture trends, and innovative urban planning strategies. However, the financial burden often poses a significant challenge. Fortunately, a variety of Scholarships for Filipino Architects Pursuing Master’s Degrees Abroad are available…

ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE IN THE PHILIPPINES

: March 7, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Top Interior Design Schools in the Philippines: A Guide for Aspiring Designers

The Philippines offers a variety of esteemed institutions for students aspiring to pursue a career in interior design. These Interior Design Schools in the Philippines provide comprehensive programs that blend creativity with technical proficiency, preparing students to excel in the dynamic field of interior design. Below is a curated list of notable interior design schools in the Philippines. 1. Philippine Women’s University – School of Fine Arts and Design (PWU-SFAD)…

: March 4, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Meet the First Female Landscape Architect in the Philippines: Dolly Perez

Dolores “Dolly” Quimbo Perez, affectionately known as Dolly, holds the distinguished title of the first female landscape architect in the Philippines. Her pioneering efforts alongside contemporaries like Ildefonso P. Santos in the early 1960s laid the foundation for landscape architecture as a recognized profession in the country. Over a prolific career spanning five decades, Dolly’s contributions encompassed the design of numerous private gardens, commercial spaces, parks, and plazas, significantly shaping…

: March 3, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Marion Mahony Griffin: The Forgotten Genius of Architecture

Marion Mahony Griffin was a trailblazing architect whose contributions to the field have long been overshadowed by her male contemporaries. As one of the first licensed female architects in the world and a key figure in the Prairie School movement, Mahony played an instrumental role in shaping modern architecture. Her work with Frank Lloyd Wright and her partnership with her husband, Walter Burley Griffin, solidified her place as a visionary…

: February 21, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Why Are So Many Towns in the Philippines Named Sta. Cruz?

Many towns named Sta. Cruz (Spanish for Holy Cross) in the Philippines was named during the Spanish colonial period, often in honor of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. These towns were typically founded by Spanish missionaries or officials, who dedicated them to religious symbols significant in Catholicism. The name Sta. Cruz may have been given due to: Religious Significance – Many towns were named after Christian symbols to reflect…