Three architecture students from the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design (SAFAD) were recognized for their outstanding design entry “Suki” in the 10th edition of ArchiNEXT Young Designer’s Competition (AYDC) on April 19, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila. 

From over 800 entries from different architecture schools nationwide, USC’s entry bagged second place. The Carolinian team composed of 4th-year architecture students Seth Aubin Brice Alatraca, Lou Henrick Tomross Cabanero, and Pauline Malinao also won Best in Presentation.

This year’s design theme is “Lunduyan,” which means “center” and the design brief called for a design for a central market that allows people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the locality by incorporating iconic concepts that instill a sense of pride and cultural identity in the area. 

With the requirement of addressing these needs, the Carolinian team designed “Suki,” inspired by the common term used in a local market setting depicting a relationship between vendors and their loyal customers. The design concept pays homage to cultural symbolism, specifically Lapu-Lapu. 

The students created a building that exuded a circular motion on the facade inspired from the tightened cloth called “Pudong” (turban headdress) worn by the Cebuano hero, curved patterns and colors representing a unique aspect of his story, and the local branding of Lapu-Lapu City. 

These aspects were judged for their relevance, quality, and presentation by different architects representing the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Association of Architecture Schools (PhilASA).

The Carolinian students received their awards together with SAFAD Dean Adrian del Monte and Department of Architecture Chair Adrian Yap. 

ArchiNEXT was organized by Hocheng Philippines Corporation (HPC), in partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Association of Architecture Schools (PhilASA). It is considered one of the largest design competitions in the country. 

With reporting from Lou Henrick Tomross Cabañero and Karl Aries Emerson Cabilao, USC Department of Architecture