Wazzup Pilipinas!
Metro Manila continues to witness major transformations on its landscape. What were once barren districts are now thriving with structures that host multinational companies and iconic commercial and residential developments.
Long-standing buildings from old avenues are being preserved through furthering its purpose and role in the growth of its provenance. The number of city centers, or at least those that are aspiring to serve as one, is on the rise—bringing together the live-work-play aspects in a single dense area to fulfill the promise of convenience and modern living.
Despite such renovations, the paths that identify the richness of Manila’s history are still visible— how the metropolis sprung from cohesion of small communities in the form of barangays, as well as the influence of the colonial era. Picturing these elements, when combined, the city has an immense contrast of edifices that help strengthen the character and diversity of its entirety.
These are just some of the ideas that make up WTA Architect and Design Studio’s installation for the Global Art Affairs Foundation Architecture Exhibition, a collateral event for the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Carrying the theme "Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters," WTA will be presenting the various cultural, social, and political influences that mold the urban character of cities in the Philippines, particularly that of Metro Manila. Dissecting Manila’s Urban Fabric “Our exhibit seeks to elaborate how uncertainty and informality allow for a greater growth and creativity,” shares Founder of WTA Architect William T. Ti.
WTA Architecture and Design Studio is the first Philippine-based firm to take part in the Biennale. The firm’s participation aims to show the international community what is going on in the Philippine architecture scene.
“Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters” will show the city of Metro Manila as seen through the lens of the firm's experiences, highlighted by a selection of WTA’s projects that are envisioned to create the biggest positive impact in the landscape.
To date, the Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world that showcases architecture installations and large-scale contemporary art crafted by different artists and designers across the globe. The exhibition is held once every two years in Venice, Italy, and for this year, the show will run from June 7 to November 23, 2014.
It is fascinating to see how WTA's installation addresses issues such as the preservation of the city's history and cultural identity, while acknowledging the significant transformations and renovations that are occurring in its urban landscape. The idea of exploring “uncertainty and informality” as catalysts for growth and creativity is also intriguing and offers a unique perspective on urban development.
ReplyDeleteWTA's participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale is an important milestone for Philippine architecture and offers an invaluable platform to share the innovative ideas and projects that are shaping the future of Metro Manila and other cities in the Philippines. It will certainly be an inspiring opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration among architects and designers from around the world.
______________________________________
I manufacture acrylic roof panels