If you build it, they will come
By Stephen Norries A. PadillaPhilippine Daily Inquirer
How would you like to have a world-class football stadium here in the Philippines?
With the Filipinos’ growing love for the sport, it may not be long before we finally have one in our own backyard.
The United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary-University of the Philippines-Diliman (UAPSA-UPD) is already taking steps to make this dream closer to reality.
The organization has launched Alterchitecture 2012, its annual architectural design competition “that seeks to revolutionize perspectives on the development of built environment through progressive design and sustainable architectural innovation.”
Registration starts in September and the tentative deadline for submission of entries is December.
This year, UAPSA-UPD challenges participants to design a world-class football stadium with modern amenities and a minimum seating capacity of 80,000.
The stadium should be a place for athletic excellence, a manifestation of Filipino culture and pride, and an icon for the country.
It should be capable of hosting international events but flexible enough to be used for other purposes in the off-season. The structure should also be sustainable and responsive to the local climate, culture and society.
Winners will receive cash prizes and their designs will be exhibited in various events in different venues.
Alterchitecture 2012, which is open to architecture students and fresh graduates, aims to “speculate, break and innovate” by involving students more in problem-seeking, giving them free reign “to identify and reflect on how to adapt building types to the Filipino contemporary way of living and to find innovative solutions to problems they will encounter.”
Showcase of skills
It also provides students a chance to showcase their skills in architectural conceptualization, design and presentation, while offering them avenues for immersion, exploration and learning.
“It pushes the architectural profession forward,” said Yndia Soriano, UAPSA-UPD chapter president. “It’s also a breath of fresh air, especially for new graduates. Unlike in the real world where they are usually constrained by client requirements and budget, here they’re designing for themselves. They have more freedom.”
The idea to focus on the design of a football stadium was inspired by the sudden rise to fame of the Azkals, the Philippine football team. UAPSA-UPD members felt Rizal Memorial Stadium, where most football games and athletic events in the country were held, had become obsolete and inadequate in serving the growing needs of local athletes and sports fans.
This year’s competition will also benefit local football players as part of the proceeds from Alterchitecture 2012 will be given to Team Philippines that competes in the Homeless World Cup, an annual tournament for teams of homeless and marginalized young adults all over the world.
Those interested to join Alterchitecture 2012 may enter as individuals or as a group of no more than three members. Participants may submit multiple entries, but each entry should be registered individually.
P500 for every entry
Registration fee is P500 for each entry submitted. Payment should be made through the Philippine National Bank: Account name – United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary – University of the Philippines-Diliman; account number – 417545200017.
The registration form may be filled out online at www.alterchitecture.com/
registration. A payment confirmation code will be sent to the participant by e-mail.
Each submission must include a concept statement, not exceeding 500 words, of the design; architectural plans, sections, elevation, exterior and interior perspectives; and other materials needed to communicate effectively the design intent, like diagrams and photos.
Submissions should be printed and mounted on 20×30 boards in landscape format. Each should be accompanied by a brown envelope containing the accomplished copy of the entry form and a CD for the soft copy of the boards in .jpeg format and 300 dpi in resolution.
Entries must be submitted to the Competition Secretariat Alterchitecture 2012, College of Architecture Complex, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City.
Entries will be judged according to innovation, sustainability, aesthetics and presentation.
For the complete mechanics, entry form and other inquiries, e-mail alterchitecture2012@gmail.com or visit www.alterchitecture.com or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/alterchitecture2012.
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