Stepping on its 32nd fiscal year, the United Architects of the Philippines Studentsโ Auxiliary (UAPSA) conducted its World Architecture Day (WAD) 2024 celebration. It is a hybrid of online and face-to-face events that began on the 4th and concluded on the 19th of October. With the theme โEmpowering the Next Generation Through Participatory Urban Design,โ the annual rite strives to unravel and equip aspiring architects โ underscoring the noble field as a powerful tool for positive societal change.
The celebration consists of five sub-events: (1) Competitions, (2) UAPSAlitaan, (3) Webinar and Archi-talks, (4) UAPSA Studio Masterclass, and (5) Outreach Program. The first four events were held online, whereas the Outreach Program was administered on a face-to-face set-up at the Alay Pag-asa Christian Foundation in Manila, Philippines.
The โCity Blueprints: Beginning the Journey with Tomorrowโs Designersโ which opened its submission on October 5 and ended on October 15, has launched WAD 2024 on a productive note as it garnered a total of 52 entries submitted across various categoriesโincluding Sketch, Painting, Photojournalism, Editorial Writing, and Editorial Cartooning. This sub-event opened the doors for all UAPSA members and aspiring architects to showcase their talents while highlighting the importance of involving young minds in urban planning.
Following the engaging kick-off, a special edition of the UAPSAlitaan podcast, titled โUrban Utopia: A Gist of an Architectural Marvel from the South,โ was released. This insightful episode premiered on Spotify on October 7, 2024. Hosted by Hazel Ygbuhay and Holly Garcia, the podcast delved into the urban landscape and progressive development of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Philippines. It featured a distinguished guest, Ar. Harvin Julius Lasquero, Chapter President of the UAP Fort Bonifacio Chapter. Ar. Lasquero shared his perspective, stating, โIn my view, we have four key goals: Invest in the Neighborhood, A City that Works, Designed for People, and A City with a Soul,โ outlining his vision for a well-designed urban plan in todayโs context.
After the insightful discussion from the UAPSAlitaan special episode, a Webinar and Archi-Talks themed โReimagining Urban Spaces - Beyond the Blueprintsโ occurred on October 12, 2024, via Zoom. Venerated guest speakers Ar. Andres Carlo M. Roxas and Ar. Paul Eugene A. Ong contributed invaluable acuities to the event.
Ar. Ong shared his lesson entitled โThe Homes of Today: An Evolution of Home Features During and After the Pandemicโ where he discussed the innovative way of rethinking the spaces in post-pandemic homes saying โWhat used to be spaces that we think belong to the wealthy is now considered a must for well being.โ
The next speaker Ar. Roxas shared his lecture โDesigning for Densityโ where people can learn urban solutions to address stress due to overcrowding in socialized housing.
On the same day, another sub-event, the UAPSA-Studio Masterclass titled โBlueprints from the Future โ Co-Creating Tomorrowโs Cities with Young Designers,โ was held. Hosted by Roy Magsakay and Romeo Espiritu, this session featured Ar. Rafaela Mae M. Landayan, who shared her expertise in Participatory Urban Design. She emphasised the implication of this approach by quoting UN-Habitat: โEmpowering communities through participatory design ensures that urban spaces are more livable, equitable, and sustainable, addressing local needs while enhancing social cohesion.โ
To conclude UAPSA-WAD 2024, the organisation held an outreach program titled "Youth Connect: Building Dreams, Inspiring Hope," spearheaded by Terrence Clark Capiendo and hosted by Eunice Lugtu and Charlice Santos on October 19 at the Alay Pag-Asa Christian Foundation. The Outreach Committee has raised Php 8,573.84 through a donation drive especially dedicated to this program, which aims to equip young individuals in the foundation with fundamental life skills while promoting sustainable development within their community.
