Presently, Ar. Gasambelo heads her architecture firm, dedicated to catering to the diverse requirements of residential and commercial projects. Her firm also specializes in drafting and architectural design management, broadening the spectrum of their services.

Her passion for architecture can be traced back to her upbringing, influenced by her father, a skilled electrician and plumber. Despite initially aspiring for a career in the medical field, Ar. Gasambelo was drawn towards architecture due to her father’s profound expertise and guidance. Reflecting on her projects, she finds inspiration in her first independent project for a high school classmate, a successful collaborative effort that paved the way for additional projects through client referrals.

As a Filipina, Ar. Gasambelo considers her gender a significant advantage in the predominantly male-dominated architecture industry. Overcoming stereotypes and prejudices, she has honed her skills, accrued valuable experience, and developed a profound understanding of the industry. Surrounded by inspiring colleagues, both male and female, she is continually motivated to pursue her goals. 

Ar. Gasambelo is a firm believer that Filipino architects can challenge existing norms and achieve success through unwavering tenacity and dedication.

The post Breaking Barriers: Ar. Gasambelo’s Journey in Architecture appeared first on Filipina Architect.

Spearheaded by the District D1 Director, Ar. Jasper Rezari together with the leadership of Ar. Isabelita Israel, Chapter President of UAP Balladaw Dabaw, and chosen by each chapter’s president and officers, the award was given to seventeen architects coming from the regions – DAVAO REGION, BARMM, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Here is the list of awardees.

DATU BAGO
Ar. Alvin Vicente, UAP
Ar. Jeffrey Brabante, UAP

BALLADAW DABAW
Ar. Roberto C. Louh, FPIA,UAP
Ar. Francisco Santos Jr., FPIA, UAP

NORTH DAVAO
Ar. Gloryrose Dy Metilla, UAP
Ar. Ian Collo Jr., UAP

COTABATO
Ar. Marlo J. Basco, FUAP
Ar. Mary Joyce Telin, UAP

MT. APO
Ar. Salvador M. Mascardo II, UAP

KORONADAL
Ar. EnP. Marvin V. Alegria, UAP, PIEP
Ar. Antonio D. Villanueva Jr., UAP

KADAYAWAN
Ar. Benjamin K. Panganiban Jr., FUAP, ASEAN, APEC, DFRIA

DAVAO CHAPTER
Ar. Ramon DP Tanglao, UAP
Ar. Daniel Lim, EnP, FUAP

DAVAO ALPHA
Ar. Jose D. Alvarado, UAP, FPIA
Ar. Alvin V. Morales, UAP

SOCCSKSARGEN
Ar. Aristeo Maderal Jr. UAP

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What could be the reason why construction is fast and not? Here are some reasons to make or break construction deadlines.

1. Design Team
   Any construction always starts with the design and the design team processes this. If the architect and its allied services are good and all their details are correct and translated well to working drawings, then construction goes well. But if there is a problem with the team, construction will start to slow its pace because the design team is the team big constructions always follow.

But there is also another reason.

2. Construction Management Team
   Every huge construction like a mall has a construction management team. This is the team in charge of making sure that the construction is up to pace. This team makes or breaks construction deadlines are very important.
3. Contractor
   Well, we all know the builders are crucial. If they choose a good contractor who follows the design to the letter and follows the construction schedule set by the construction management team, then the mall deadline is met. That is if they have good manpower, etc.
4. Finally, the owner.
   Owners’ decisions in big malls like this are managed by the companies’ operations. It also includes funding, tenant closing, fast decision-making of items for approval, and just willpower to stick to the deadline. If the owner side is too lax and does not have good and fast decision-making, then the construction is slow. If the owner’s marketing fails to put tenants to the mall on time, then the opening is halted. No owner wants to open a mall without tenants! No one would visit it.

Which of the reasons listed dictated the slow and fast construction of both malls? We have yet to find out. And the big question of all — will Sta Lucia Mall of Davao finally open this year? Or will another NCCC Mall of Davao open and still no Sta Lucia Mall?

The post The Battle of Mall Construction: Sta Lucia Mall Davao vs NCCC Mall Davao at Maa appeared first on Filipina Architect.

Landscape Architecture is a field that involves designing outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and public areas. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, Landscape Architecture Schools in the Philippines offer Landscape Architecture programs. 

The University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) is a 4-year program that teaches students how to plan, design, manage, and take care of outdoor spaces. It is an undergraduate course that has been around for 50 years and is essential in educating students about landscape architecture, which is a crucial part of the construction industry. Landscape architects work together with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other professionals to create beautiful and functional spaces. 

The program includes courses on landscape design, research, communication, history and theory, professional practice, planning, urban design, technology, utilities, math, science, and electives. Since its inception in 1971, the BLA program has undergone revisions and improvements to ensure that it remains current with new technology and can provide solutions to environmental problems. 

The program aims to create landscape architects who are responsive, visionary, innovative, and conscious of the values of people, culture, and the environment.

University of San Carlos in Cebu City Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

The Bachelor in Landscape Architecture (B LA) program recognizes the importance of landscape architecture in building a nation and promoting the preservation and conservation of the environment and cultural landscapes for the public’s health, safety, and enjoyment.

Bulacan State University-Main Campus in Malolos City Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

The objectives of the landscape architecture program are as follows: Firstly, to gain a professionally oriented foundation in landscape design, construction, and planning that emphasizes ecologically and socially sound design. Secondly, to learn from recognized experts in design implementation, computer applications, and the integration of ecology and behavioral sciences in design and planning. Thirdly, to develop practical applications of landscape construction, facilities design, social sciences, and land use analysis. Lastly, to assist students in working on a progression of projects that express personal solutions and help them learn to interact with clients professionally.

University of San Agustin College of Technology Iloilo Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)

The University of San Agustin College of Technology is the only who offers Lanscape Architecture in Western Visayas.

Interestingly, Christian Bautista, a famous Filipino singer, also graduated in Landscape Architecture from the University of the Philippines.

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When it comes to designing your home, one of the most critical yet often overlooked elements is interior molding. Also known as trim, molding acts as a bridge between different surfaces and materials in a harmonious way. It encloses doors and windows and acts as a meeting point between the walls, ceiling, and floor.

The significance of molding in creating the perfect ambiance for your space cannot be overstated. Deciding on the right design, material, and size can be a daunting task.

You might wonder how tall the molding should be or which type of molding is best for each specific space. You might also want to know what common mistakes homeowners make when choosing interior molding and how to avoid them.

It’s important to remember that molding is a permanent fixture in your home, and you don’t want it to clash with the other design elements you choose. Fortunately, there are numerous options available, but the downside is that selecting the perfect interior molding can be overwhelming.

Photo from Pinterest.

Molding Categories: There is more to trim!

Molding can be categorized into different types, including baseboards, ceiling molding (also known as crown molding), door or window casing, base shoe, wall paneling, and cap molding. 

Baseboards protect the bottom of the wall and add character and elegance to the space. Ceiling molding covers the joint between the wall and the ceiling, while door or window casing frames the doors and windows to hide the gap between the jamb and the wall.

Base shoe is a quarter-round trim that fits against the floor and the baseboard. Wall paneling can cover a whole wall or a portion of it, while cap molding fits over the top of wall paneling.

Best Stores to Find Interior Molding in the Philippines

You can find moldings with different designs in Ace Hardware located in SM Stores. You can also find it in Citi Hardware and at Wilcon Depot from their brick-and-mortar stores or at their online shop. In Davao City, the best place to find good moldings is at SKS Interiors.  Some other suppliers are Decopro, DSMDecor, and Hanna Mouldings. 

If you do not find what you want from all these suppliers, you can have them custom-made by contacting an interior designer or architectural firm like Switodesigns who specialize in designing carving works in the Philippines.  

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There are actually numerous ways to remedy your site’s being located in a flood-prone area. One is asking a professional such as an architect to think about designing it with flood proof elements. Here are some examples:

1.) Elevation 

Elevation is key. We’ve discussed before how design elements of indigenous homes were functional, too. Think of the height of a bahay kubo with stilts and a bahay na bato with emphasis on elevated living spaces. This way, the lower ground area serves as a passage for water should floods happen.

2.) Rainwater catchment

If your house had a way to collect water from your downspout, such as a barrel rigged to be an alternative source of water aside from your tap, and if each house in the village where you live had this, that village has protected its residents from floods to a certain degree. 

It might sound too technical but this thing is merely a barrel which stores rainwater directly from your downspout. Imagine having two of  these gems in your house and you get two barrels of water when it rains. Then imagine multiplying this to 1,000 houses in your subdivision or 10,000 houses in an urban poor settlement? Instead of flooding over concrete and other non-porous materials, rainwater catchments are simple, ingenious solutions.

3.) Homemade Levees or Floodwalls

A flood wall is a primarily vertical artificial barrier designed to temporarily contain the waters of a river or other waterway which may rise to unusual levels during seasonal or extreme weather events. A levee looks like a mound and a flood wall looks like a masonry wall. You can actually make a homemade levee or flood wall at home by making a mound around your house so that when flood comes in, the water sways back and not towards your house.  

4.) Dry floodproofing

Dry floodproofing is making your building dry by putting barriers around the areas where the flood can enter such as the doors, windows, etc. In other words, you make the building watertight. You can even order some of these online. Although, we do not have a standard of doing this in the Philippines yet, one way is to use watertight sealed doors, the ones used in ship compartments. The technology allows ships to stay afloat, even if one portion is breached by seawater. Essentially, sealed doors allow the rest of the ship to be waterproof even if one portion lets water in. 

5.) Wet floodproofing

Wet floodproofing is similar to making your house on stilts in that there is a space under your dwelling areas that lets water pass through. However, this time, you have to dig a part of your house so that the flood passes through without entering your living space. This network is then connected to a canal or waterway. 

References: 

“Building Science – Flood Publications.” Building Science – Flood Publications | FEMA.gov. Accessed November 19, 2020. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/flood. 

“Fundamentals of Resilient Design: Dry Floodproofing.” Resilient Design Institute, September 27, 2015. https://www.resilientdesign.org/fundamentals-of-resilient-design-dry-floodproofing/. 

“How to Build a Levee for Flood Protection.” Disaster Company, March 4, 2019. https://www.disastercompany.com/how-to-build-a-levee-for-flood-protection/.

The post What to do if your area is flood-prone appeared first on Filipina Architect.

For instance, a municipal hall would not look as good without the embellishment of landscaping at the front, which could include a huge park. It should be situated in an area where one can feel the ephemeral feeling of walking to that building to make it feel vast.

The only way to properly design such spaces is to work with both an architect and a landscape architect. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, the practice of Landscape Architecture is a relatively new field, and there are very few landscape architects available.

The architecture profession is struggling with the majority of Filipinos thinking that we are the same as civil engineers, so it is even more challenging to promote the landscape architecture profession, which is still unknown to many.

What is Landscape Architecture?

Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, and nurturing of the built and natural environments. Landscape architects plan and design the natural environment of parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas, residences, and other projects that strengthen communities. 

However, Landscape Architecture is a profession that is often misunderstood as gardening by many. But landscape architecture is more than just landscaping, it is designing spaces for the well-being of people by paying close attention to natural environments. Multifaceted as it is, designing and planning outdoor spaces to create functional and sustainable environments. 

So, does the Philippines Need Landscape Architects?

The Philippines, a country characterized by rapid urbanization, is in dire need of Landscape Architecture services to address the challenges posed by this growth. This discipline aims to create urban spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote biodiversity, enhance the quality of life, and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. 

Given the unique topography of the country, Landscape Architects in the Philippines have immense potential to create green infrastructure that can serve as a buffer against environmental degradation while providing a host of social, environmental, and economic benefits. 

The integration of Landscape Architecture into the broader urban planning efforts in the Philippines will undoubtedly pave the way for a more sustainable future that caters to the needs of its citizens while preserving the natural environment.

About the Author

Ar. Gloryrose Dy Metilla is a principal architect of Switodesigns. She is the current Eastern Mindanao Representative of the National Committee for Architecture and the Allied Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The post OPINION: Is There a Need for Landscape Architects in the Philippines? appeared first on Filipina Architect.

Laya by Shang Properties is the latest development of the major developer, located along Christian Route, Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City.

MANILA, Philippines, 25 January 2024—Freedom and mobility are a must as today’s young professionals begin to redefine their concept of home. It’s not just about proximity to the workplace, but also about indulging in a serene escape with seamless access to vibrant retail hubs and essential services. The magic formula? The ideal blend of work, play, and relaxation—a lifestyle crafted for today’s modern generation. Colliers Philippines, a real estate investment management firm, reports a more aggressive surge in residential development in the peripheries of bustling central business districts (CBD), aligning with this trend.

Developers are taking advantage of the growing demand for well-connected living spaces near central business districts (CBDs), shopping centers, reputable educational institutions, and quality healthcare facilities. But as CBDs witness increased development and rising prices, prospective buyers are turning their attention to condominium units on the border of key CBDs such as Makati and Pasig. Over the last five years, there has been a notable increase in property development in these areas. Pre-sale figures in these peripheral locations accounted for 82% of total uptake in 2021, prompting developers to concentrate on creating dynamic, integrated communities. This strategic focus aims to enhance accessibility to key lifestyle and business hubs in the metropolitan area.

LAYA promotes independent living through its carefully constructed spaces designed with substance and longevity in mind Enter Laya by Shang Properties—a testament to a lifestyle curated for the next wave of trendsetters and trailblazers. Nestled in Barangay Oranbo, Pasig City, Laya embodies the essence of independent living through its carefully constructed spaces designed with substance and longevity in mind. Positioned near Ortigas Center, Laya is a 10-minute walk to shopping malls and dining options, with access to the country’s most prestigious schools and major commercial centers—at Laya, everything you need is within reach, providing a seamless connection between work, leisure, and relaxation.

Laya by Shang Properties is more than just a residence; it's an entire community within its walls. Here, retail therapy and convenience will greet residents at their doorstep, while a curated selection of in-house amenities cater to their modern needs and desires. From invigorating fitness studios, busy co-workspaces, and a library, to a haven for little ones in the playroom, thrilling game rooms, and even a viewing room—Laya has it all. Step outside, and you find inviting swimming pools for all ages, cocooned by lush gardens and open spaces.

Laya by Shang Properties creates a neighborhood that perfectly complements the vibrant and contemporary way of life you dream of. Anticipated for completion in 2028, Laya is not just a place to live; it's your canvas for self-expression, offering a connected community where you can effortlessly balance work, fun, and relaxation.

To learn more about LAYA by Shang Properties, visit https://layabyshang.com, email hello@layabyshang.com, or book a visit at the LAYA Showsuite at Mid-level 2/3, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City.

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Sensory urbanism is a new interdisciplinary field that explores how people perceive their built environment. The main objective is to create cities that appeal to all of the human senses, including the less commonly considered senses such as proprioception and thermoception.

The aim is to create an aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances the overall experience of the city for its inhabitants and visitors.

To attain a more pleasant and comfortable environment, an architect or urban designer could consider the following components:

– Experiment with materials to add textures, and patterns, and affect acoustics.

– Playing with light and shadow to create visual interest and reduce crime rates.

– Controlling the quality of sound to create a more enjoyable environment.

– Managing the smell of a place to create a more pleasant and healthy environment.

– Maintaining even surfaces of buildings and walkways to care for the well-being of the users. 

By focusing on these components, we can create a sensory-rich urban environment that benefits everyone who lives or visits the city.

Advantages

Sensory urbanism can have a profound impact on people’s lives in many ways. For instance, incorporating natural elements such as light and greenery can create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, designing cities that are accessible to people with different abilities, promotes inclusivity and ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits of a well-designed urban space.

Public spaces such as parks and squares can encourage social interactions and foster a sense of community among residents. By reflecting the local culture and history in the city’s design, sensory urbanism can create a stronger sense of belonging and pride among residents.

Sensory urbanism can also attract more visitors and businesses by making cities more attractive, pleasant, and comfortable, thereby increasing economic opportunities for residents.

Finally, by encouraging walking, and cycling, and providing access to green spaces and parks, sensory urbanism can help people stay healthy and active, improving the overall quality of life in a society.

Disadvantages

Sensory urbanism, despite its potential benefits, comes with various challenges that can hinder its implementation in certain areas. One of the main challenges is the cost involved in designing and implementing a well-functioning infrastructure that caters to the sensory needs of the urban environment.

This can be quite prohibitive, especially in areas with limited budgets, as it requires a considerable amount of resources and funding to carry out the necessary research and tasks.

Another challenge is the complexity of sensory urbanism, as it takes into account various factors such as light, sound, air quality, and textures. Coordinating and collaborating with different stakeholders to ensure that these factors are adequately addressed can be challenging, and a lack of proper planning and execution can lead to ineffective implementation.

Furthermore, sensory urbanism lacks standardization, which can lead to various interpretations by different practitioners. This makes it difficult to compare and evaluate different projects, and there is a need for a system of standardization to ensure that best practices are followed.

Lastly, socio-economic factors can also challenge the implementation of sensory urbanism. For instance, in areas with high levels of poverty and social inequality, residents may not have the resources or ability to access and enjoy sensory enhancements, which can limit the effectiveness of such projects.

Cities Incorporating Sensory Urbanism are Livable Cities

Sensory urbanism is an approach to urban design that aims to create cities that appeal to all human senses. Its goal is to create an environment that is not only visually appealing but also comfortable and welcoming for its users. Despite the challenges due to cost, complexity, lack of standardization, and socio-economic factors, it is a concept that would benefit if cities focused more on it.

Incorporating natural elements such as light, greenery, and soothing sounds can create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that can help reduce stress and anxiety, while public spaces such as parks and squares can encourage social interactions and foster a sense of community.

Sensory urbanism can also attract more visitors and businesses by making cities more attractive, pleasant, and comfortable, thereby increasing economic opportunities for residents.

The post Can Our Five Senses Influence How We Perceive Our Surroundings? appeared first on Filipina Architect.

Comprehensive List of Bamboo Construction Companies in the Philippines

Bambusa Construction 

Bambusa Construction Corporation is a construction company pushing the boundaries of innovation in the Philippines. Using bamboo, they’re not only creating beautiful buildings, but they’re doing it sustainably and responsibly. They’ve thought of everything from how they harvest and treat the bamboo to their joinery in construction. Plus, they’re committed to maintaining bamboo.

Tao Philippines

Tao Philippines is a pioneering company that brought the tuka to life. An upturned boat shape, ingeniously crafted from bamboo under tension, it owes its creation to the brilliant mind of Tao engineer, Gener Paduga.. In Tagalog, TUKA means beak. It provides airflow and is great for camping out on the beach because it protects you from the rain.

Base Builds

BASE is an initiative from the Hilti Foundation that offers alternative building technologies for quality socialised homes. They’re comfy, affordable, disaster-resilient, ecologically friendly, and have a social impact too! BASE thrives on locally grown and renewable materials to design housing envelopes and models that fit the demands of local communities. Its Innovation Center conducts research and testing programs.

Zhu Bamboo

ZHU BAMBOO PHILIPPINES is the bamboo supplier in the Philippines! They deliver top-notch service and quality products. Their focus is only on all Premium Bamboo Natural Products – from indoor and outdoor flooring and wall and ceiling cladding to outdoor decking, unstack, and veneer.

Kawayan Collective

So have you heard of Kawayan Collective? They’re dedicated to developing sustainable construction materials by collecting, processing and distributing beautiful and durable bamboo from the Philippines. They take care of everything from collection to treatment, ensuring that the bamboo is construction-grade quality and can compete with materials like cement blocks and steel.

Modern Bamboo

At Modern Bamboo, they’re all about eco-friendliness and sustainability. Their top-notch bamboo products are perfect for homes and commercial spaces – from solid bamboo flooring and cladding to decking and veneer. Come check us out!

Bambu

Bambu prides itself on being a trusted supplier of quality bamboo products, including flooring and cladding materials. Their bamboo comes from sustainably sourced plantations, ensuring an environmentally conscious decision for customers looking to enhance their living spaces. With long-lasting durability and unique natural beauty, Bambu’s bamboo products can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any interior design project.

Bambuko

Combining traditional construction methods with modern concepts and design has brought innovation to the architectural space, creating beautiful and enduring buildings. By leveraging age-old techniques, contemporary architecture has a strong foundation, inspiring a new generation of buildings.

Bamboohub PH

Bamboohub is more than just a provider of unbeatable quality bamboo flooring and wood plastic composite (WPC). With a focus on eco-sustainability and thoughtful design, each product is chosen with environmental impact and functionality in mind. From the selection of materials to the assembly process, the team is dedicated to delivering an elegant and durable product while reducing the impact on our planet.

Bamboo Geodesic Domes Philippines

Bamboo Geodesic Domes Philippines is proud to manufacture bamboo geodesic domes in the Philippines, showcasing local craftsmanship and preserving traditional building methods. They feel privileged to create sustainable and environmentally responsible structures that blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. The team is dedicated to producing high-quality geodesic domes designed to withstand the elements and provide a durable living space for generations.

In the Philippines, bamboo construction is slowly but surely gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. Using bamboo in construction not only supports sustainable living but also provides an opportunity to create unique and innovative structures. 

As advocates of sustainable living, they encourage everyone to support local bamboo construction companies and help make sustainability a stronger force in the industry.

The Philippines today can provide quality services for any project you have in mind!

Please message or comment below if you have more to add or want to be added to this Comprehensive List of Bamboo Construction Companies in the Philippines. It is still live and kicking!

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