AS we continue to develop our world into a concrete creation, architecture and design stand as the actual pillars of our progress. Settled into the very fabric of our modern-day blanket of buildings and structures, the fruits of architecture are widespread but have yet to get the long-term love and attention they deserve from other industries.
This lackluster pomp and circumstance allocated to the industry is the main driving factor that has led to the creation of the annual Anthology Architecture and Design Festival in Manila. Organized by WAT Architecture + Design Studio, one of the Philippines’s premier architecture, firms, the event aims to further build the expansion and prominence of architecture while fostering innovation within the industry from both leaders and ingénues.
Now on its second run, this year’s festival holds the theme “Context and Intent”, which, in turn, is visualized, realized and discussed through the various activities and programs across the three-day celebration that takes place at Intramuros’s Puerta del Parian from March 31 to April 2.
Concepts for context
As a platform for bolstering the goals, ideals and methods of today’s architecture, Anthology will feature global and local designers to raise awareness and connect multidisciplinary and multicultural ideas and practices.
Prioritizing nation-building and open forums for development, the festival’s focal point goes around the idea of social architecture as a means of community expansion and progression. With over 60 participating architects and designers both locally and internationally, the panel includes big names like Oval Partnership’s Patrick Bruce and Spark Architects’s Stephen Pimbley.
Encouraging Filipino architects to reach the world standard in order to globalize, 3,000 participants made up of leaders and students will participate in various workshops, talks, and competitions in order to up the ante and continue the competitive and innovative landscape of architecture and design.
Identifying intent
The festival highlights a whole range of works through its various interactive programs:
Anthology Talks: As the highlight of the festival, different specializations will be connected together through a variety of 60-minute lectures and a 15-minute open forum that will allow numerous conversations and varying individuals to congregate and share insights.
Anthology Talks Interiors: Held on the main Interiors Stage, thought leaders for various topics regarding “context and intent” will expound on the relation of interior design to the festival’s theme.
Shelter Dialogues: Combining strengths with Shelter Architecture and Design magazine, Anthology brings together professionals both within and out of the field of architecture for healthy debates. Panels regarding the theme will be held in the form of especially curated topics.
Designer Stories: The most promising names in architecture and design will have their spot to speak out on their own stories and personal philosophies in the field. With audience participation, the section will provide unprecedented insight into the minds that create our spaces.
Competitions: Part of Anthology’s advocacy is honing new talents and allowing leaders to enhance their creative pursuits. These contests include a live student design competition, “A Chair & More”, “A House for Inigo” and “Innovisions” with grand prizes totaling to a rough P300,000.
As the anticipated festival comes upon us, it is reassuring to know that the future of our curated space is in the hands of open-minded, transformative, and pioneering individuals who continue to seek out the best for design and architecture.
Image credits: https://www.altumconcepts.com/blog/anthology, https://www.pinterest.com/wtadesignstudio/wta/