University of Northern Philippines architecture student Brylle Mari Layne has earned international recognition after emerging as one of the standout winners in the TFT Global Student Competition 2026.
Layne, a fourth-year architecture student, impressed the global stage with a design concept centered on heritage preservation, climate resilience, and community-centered spaces inspired by the riverfront communities of Vigan.
Driven by personal experiences with flooding and environmental vulnerability, Layne developed a proposal that goes beyond aesthetics and highlights sustainability, adaptability, and cultural identity.
“I’ve always believed that we should design beyond aesthetics; it should respond to real community needs, preserve local identity, and solve pressing social and environmental challenges,” Layne shared.
For Layne, the recognition serves not only as a personal achievement but also as an opportunity to showcase Filipino creativity and local perspectives on the global stage.
