By: Irene Sino-Cruz
These are among the lessons shared by design experts during the first CWC Interiors Architectural Forum organized by CWC International Corp. chief executive officer Frederick Yuson along with leading architectural and design firms in the Philippines and Asia Pacific.
Mr. Yuson saw the need for recognition of Filipino architects and designers in the global design and architectural field so he launched the forum as the first step to launch his vision of creating a platform where industry leaders can inspire the next generation.
He believes that with enough support, the future of the Philippine designers has what it takes to be world class. “The Filipino can, and the Filipino will,” Mr. Yuson said, whose company has been a valuable partner in the construction industry for several decades.
Arch. Jojo Tolentino, chief executive and president of global design firm AIDEA Inc., noted that up to the 1960s, Filipino architects were known not only in the Philippines but globally when the Philippines was part of the international architectural scene.
He mentioned architects Leandro Locsin, a recipient of the Fukuoka Prize in Asian Arts and Culture in 1992 and Francisco Maňosa, who was designated as a National Artist for Architecture in 2009 and has received numerous awards.
Locsin designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, Folk Arts Theater and the Philippine International Convention Center, among others. Maňosa, who designed the world-famous Amanpulo Resort, is an advocate for indigenous or Filipino architecture and promotes the development of indigenous materials.
“In any industry, it is important to be competitive,” Arch. Tolentino said, citing several factors like continuous innovation, competence and commitment that are needed to attain global competitiveness. He also encouraged design professionals to be open to collaboration with their international counterpart.
Arch. Cathy Saldaňa, president of PDP Architects and among the pioneer in sustainable island developments, stressed the importance of incorporating sustainability in architectural design.
“Sustainability is not any more a buzzword. It’s not a trend. It’s not anymore a feature. It’s a standard. It’s a benchmark. It’s present in every project now,” – Arch. Saldaňa.
She also explained that with the rising real estate prices, building vertical cities would maximize the value. But she maintained the need to make these communities better by proximity to conveniences, health care, education, play areas, recreation and access to nature.
Norman Agleron, partner and principal of Hersch Bedner Associates Manila, shared his experience in the hospitality projects. He was the lead designer for The Siam Kempinski, Bangkok which received the Perspective Awards for Best New Hotel in 2011.
He noted blurring of the lines in the hospitality design haute couture and the inclusion of haute couture in designing of hotels and resorts.
Mr. Agleron explained that the elements of luxury is one of the main evaluation criteria for hotels and resorts. “Luxury does not necessarily mean expensive. It can mean different things to different people. It can be a layer of detail you notice when you least expect it.” He added that guests expect a residential feel in the hotel, a sense of home.
Arch. Andrew Liu, principal of Callison RTKL, shared his expertise in high rise building construction and possibility of new design concepts such as possible connectivity between high-rise buildings through walkways from one building to another so residents need not go down to go to a nearby high-rise building.
Meanwhile, CWC will collaborate with local designers for a premium furniture line intended for the global market.
Mr. Yuson bared the company’s diversification plan when he spoke during the first-ever CWC Interiors Architectural Forum held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the CWC Interiors Cebu Latitude Corporate Center.
“We are ready for creating a (product) line and working, collaborating with designers to create a line that does everything from kitchen, living, dining, work stations and seating and everything,” he said in an interview with reporters and bloggers. The company will be collaborating with Philippine architects to come up with the furniture designs.
This is part, he said, of the company’s plan to diversify and gain global recognition for the company and for Philippine designers.
“With the advent of China being more expensive, I think there’s a chance now for the Philippines to be at par with the world. We cannot just be traders forever. We have export aspirations. We have public listing aspirations.”
Mr. Yuson
He added that they have been working on this plan even before the pandemic which delayed the implementation. The company has manufacturing facility equipped with Italian machinery and technology as well as a warehouse.
“The brands Lando, Herman Miller and other brands that we have to collaborate with Philippine brands, this is something really exciting. The export line of business that competency will give a good margin to the country in terms of the brand recognition”
Mr. Casimiro Faylona, CWC Vice-President for Sales and Marketing
“There are brands made in Cebu that are world renowned already and its about time we collaborate with other brands as well.”
