UAP explores future of architectural practice with ARCHTECHCON 2023

 CEBU CITY – The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) mounted ARCHTECHCON 2023, a four-day conference that explored the future of architectural practice through technological advancements and innovative methodologies such as IT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) dubbed as ARCHTECHTON 2023: Shaping the Future of Architecture through Technology and Innovation, March 23-26 at Robinsons Galleria, Cebu City.

Arch. Buch Richnold Sia, UAP District C1 Director said during the opening ceremonies that the event provides architects, tech enthusiasts, real estate investors, designers, other industry professionals, and the public at large with insights on new software, equipment, and cutting-edge techniques that are revolutionizing the way architects design and implement their projects.

“In ARCHTECHCON we want to show how technology supports architecture and the value of an architect’s creativity, and although Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come into the picture, creativity is still an inherent human quality,” Sia said.

According to him, technological innovation has had a significant impact on architecture. Advances in materials science, digital tools, and renewable energy technologies have opened up new possibilities for architects to push the boundaries of what is possible.

The convention offered valuable knowledge in the ever-evolving world of architecture and technology.  It was also a venue for network with like-minded individuals, and explore opportunities for growth and innovation within their own practices.

 Demands and challenges of the industry

Sia bared that there are so many demands in the industry and architects have to grow up more, really understanding the skill sets and improving the performance and responsibility of architects, the more they are able to have tech/advances in technology to adapt to new things and to understand the industry better.

Is there such a thing as Philippine/Filipino architecture?  Sia and his team of architects believed that the Philippines is still identifying an authentic design gene because the country has been influenced with Spanish and Malay architecture and designs which are not vernacular.

“We still embrace our past and all its influences and when we translate those influences into the Filipino design, which must inclusive for all, we create and celebrate the Filipino talent and uniqueness in our culture.  We have to celebrate that, embracing our own culture with the past influences,” Sia and his UAP team agreed.

They also commented that there is a need to improve the country’s architectural designs to create diversification without forgetting the authenticity of the Filipino design.  For the past 10 years, the Filipino architects have garnered more awards and recognitions all over the world.  “We are always taking down notes to improve our design gene and the advancement of IT and AI in architecture are helping tools for architects and designers,” Sia added.

There are always mismatch in academe versus the industry, the UAP said and that is why improving entrepreneurship is another good aspect of the architecture industry and the close collaboration with local government units for transparency and improving the local design and the architecture at the community level for it to be inclusive.

The idea of ARCHTECHCON 2023 was to highlight how shifting values of emerging technology and new concepts are driving the future of architecture from small scale interventions to large developments.  This also brought about the strengthening of local government collaboration with Cebu Design Week and other creatives and entrepreneurship program.

 “We want to introduce how technology can impact our lives and how technology can improve services of architects and the quality of what we do and how advance technology can assist the architects and how to improve and empower its members to better their craft, professionalism, art, design and improving tool and ensuring that they are empower for the future to improve their skills set and expertise,” Sia said.

Lectures highlight the ARCHTECHCON 2023

The conference kicked off on March 23 with an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting with 13 company/exhibitors showcasing innovative products.  On March 24-26 UAP invited some 2,000 students and delegates for the series of UAP Student Auxiliary tours and workshops with the highlights on lectures on March 25 featuring an outstanding roster of industry experts, each offering valuable insights into various aspects of architectural technology.

The lectures covered a wide range of topics, from energy performance analysis and digital fabrication techniques to artificial intelligence's role in architecture, drone mapping, and analytics.

Speakers include Architect Annie Cuizon discussed the “CPDO Online Locational Clearance System,” underscoring the significance of utilizing streamlined processes and technology for efficient urban planning and development. Architect Dennis Mayo discussed BIM (Building Information Modeling) and on how data has helped the practice of Architecture, being able to create a digital 3D model that allows for visualization of different tools   and structures.

Architect Rowell Shih delved into "Integrating Energy Performance Analysis using Various Computational Analytical Tools.” He primarily uses BIM to integrate energy performance analysis as part of his design process.

Furthermore, Architect Buddy Lim Ong and Mona Alcudia examined "Digital Fabrication: Human-Machine Collaboration," emphasizing the transformative impact of cutting-edge digital fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and 3D scanning, on the architectural landscape.

Architect Neil Bersabe touched on “Artificial Intelligence in Architecture” and its impact on the industry, exploring the complex and promising potential of AI in a range of architectural applications, including design optimization, site analysis, and performance evaluation.

Concluding the lineup, Architect Kristian Zhen Cruz talked about “Drone Mapping and Analytical Design,” focusing on optimization of processes for more efficient outputs.  On top of these lectures a “Bamboo Lashing for Beginners” workshop hosted by University of San Carlos Architecture Society - UAPSA is also open for registration. All proceeds from the workshop goes to USCARS-UAPSA’s Arkiskolar.

The ARCHTECHCON 2023 was organized by UAP District C1, led by Director Ar. Buck Richnold Sia, UAP Datu Lapulapu Chapter President Ar. Arnel Barrera, and UAP Datu Lapulapu Chapter Vice President Ar. Buddy Ong. (Photos: MBCNewman)