Iloilo City, architects’ organization launch urban streetscape design competition

An urban streetscape design competition was recently launched by the two local chapters of the United Architects of the Philippines, namely Iloilo and Madia-as, at SM City on October 5, 2022.

The two chapters are led by Ar. Harold Hopilos and Ar. Gabriel Bedia respectively. This event is in line with city’s celebration of Iloilo Arts Festival which was also opened in the same day by Mayor Jerry Trenas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, and City Planning Coordinator Jose Roni Penalosa.

Following the launch in that same day, the competition was discussed in detail to the public and participants via a session in Panai 1 Meeting Room at Park Inn Hotel.

Ar. Manuel Tingzon, Jr. discussed the topic on the rationale of cultural heritage preservation while Ar. Wilfredo Sy talked about bike networks of the city.

This competition involves designing Iznart Street in Iloilo City Proper starting from Plazoleta Gay to Arroyo fountain in front of Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The design aims to improve the condition of this street on both sides by carefully considering the old fabric and new developments as well as integrating safe walking and biking lanes. The winning design then aims to cultivate to the community a sense of place.

The following objectives of the competition are:

1) Consistency in providing a design pallet between the old heritage structures and new contemporary buildings following the principle of sympathetic and complementary development with the city’s conservation program;

2) Creating safe and comfortable spaces for people to use and encourage them to walk or cycle within the Central Business District Zone; and

3) Providing a quality design with a clear guidance that will help to introduce further developments in other streets and spaces within the old CBD heritage zone.

The competition is open to all registered Ilonggo architects residing in Iloilo and member of any Iloilo chapter. The entry can be an individual or a group with 2 to 4 members. They must register to join with a fee of PhP 1,500.

Online registration will tentatively end on October 30, 2022. The deadline of submissions is on November 25 2022.

The announcement of the three winners plus two consolation awards is on December 2 2022. The formal awarding of the first, second and third placers will coincide with the National Architecture Week.

Interested parties can contact either Ar. Adonis Canonicato at 09060711720, Ar. Harold Hopilos at 0909 381 3248, or Ar. Gabriel Bedia at 09497766397.

Inquiries can also be emailed to urbanstreetiloilo@gmail.com. The launching event was supported by Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.