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)
