For the second year in a row, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) has made its mark on the world stage at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF), held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from November 5 to 8.

As part of the Top 8 finalists in the Student Charrette, sponsored by global urbanism firm Broadway Malyan, UNP showcased innovative concepts that captivated the international audience.

This year’s WAF theme, “Tomorrow,” centered around the future of architecture, bringing together architects, urban designers, and students from across the globe to explore how the built environment might evolve in response to societal shifts, technological advancements, and environmental challenges. As part of the Student Charrette, both of UNP’s teams presented bold, visionary solutions addressing critical global issues, reflecting the festival’s theme, and reimagining the future of design.

The finalists for the Student Charrette hailed from a diverse range of backgrounds, including four teams from the Philippines—two from the University of Northern Philippines and two from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao—as well as teams from Scotland, United Kingdom, and El Salvador. Their projects offered a broad spectrum of creative, forward-thinking approaches to contemporary challenges.

UNP’s Verstack team, comprised of Jeronimo Valdez, Mark Jerome Ganal, Jovi Anne Haduca, John Dave Tabbilos, and Merie Cyril Mae Antonio, introduced an innovative model for vertical farming designed to transform underutilized spaces, such as greyfields, brownfields, and vacant lots, into productive agricultural hubs.

The project’s dynamic vertical setup addresses the essential needs of crops while prioritizing the well-being and development of farmers. By focusing on the revitalization of neglected urban areas, the team advocates for responsible land use that conserves resources for future generations.

“Ultimately, we believe architecture can be a catalyst for positive change, offering a hopeful vision for a better tomorrow,” the team emphasized.

In contrast, Project Borderline, composed of Rachelle Anne Arce, Mary Grace Arzabal, Quenkle Ballesteros, Mary Maybelle Alaba, and Ryan Jay Azur, focused on revitalizing the Lagben River in Vigan, aligning their design with the theme of connection.

Their project strengthens the community’s relationship with the river, creating spaces that not only protect against flooding but also preserve the cultural heritage along the riverbanks.

“By preserving this connection to the river, we are also protecting the community’s heritage, ensuring that Vigan’s legacy lives on,” the team shared.

During the competition, organizers elevated the challenge by asking teams to integrate specific elements into their designs. Verstack chose water and light as symbols of renewal and growth, while Project Borderline adapted the challenge to enhance the community’s connection to the river, preserving cultural identity and the area’s historical significance.

Although the top prize went to a team from Queen’s University Belfast, UNP’s students, mentored by Ar. John Derick Dasugo and Ar. Charles Angelo Andrada, stood out in defending their concepts to the esteemed jury.

Their resilience, ingenuity, and dedication underscored the strength of UNP’s architectural program, which has now been recognized at WAF for the second year in a row.

This year’s success follows UNP’s 2023 win with Balay Arapaap, also guided by Ar. Dasugo, marking a significant achievement for the University, following the Philippines’ previous win a decade earlier, courtesy of the University of San Carlos.

Article by Charles Angelo T. Andrada.