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Architecture is the soul of one’s cultural landscape highlighting its identity. It is an expression of a country’s heritage. Architecture and culture connect together to the extent that a space cannot be determined without both. Contemporary buildings may take inspiration from different influences and come up with a unique style. However, it is necessary to learn about the built environment of a project to decide the role of architecture-thus culture speaks. Cultural spaces are consistent in every country, but vary depending on its history. Monumental Design is formed based on cultural requirements and will be influenced by norms in architecture.The end product is the rich history of monumental structures defining the identity of cultural spaces-originated from culture and spatial transformation. If architectural reflection is best described as cultural representation, then…

Innovation has always been at the core of Graphisoft’s mission to “empower teams to create great architecture” through its award-winning software. As Graphisoft celebrates 40 years of innovative excellence, no one is more qualified to share what’s next on the company’s roadmap than its CEO, Huw Roberts. Before being named Graphisoft’s CEO, Roberts was Graphisoft’s VP for the Americas. Prior to Graphisoft, Roberts already held key leadership roles at other companies in the past. Making use of his creativity and vigor, he focuses on adding value to customers, maximizing market impact, driving business transformation, and empowering teams. Now leading Graphisoft into the future after four decades of innovation, he intends to lead the company in the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders through Graphisoft’s new vision and roadmap for continued success.…

MARY DIZON is a freelance content writer and marketer currently based in Siargao Island, Philippines. Originally based from Manila, she moved to the island just in time before the pandemic to be closer to nature and surround herself with natural open spaces, from which she can draw deep inspiration from for her writing and work. KATRINA GONZALES is an Associate Content Technical Specialist for Thomson Reuters. She was a Circle (Culture and Lifestyle) writer for The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). She then served as an Associate Editor for the publication for two years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at UST and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Journalism degree in the same university. BIEN ARONALES Bien…

Traveling through the provinces of the Philippines will reveal the prevalence of traditional Filipino architecture. Our renowned bahay kubo is still around, particularly in places where development is sluggish. Although the specifics of the plan may have varied, the basic idea of an A-framed roof atop a house perched on stilts remained. The Filipino bahay kubo existed long before any of the foreign occupations that profoundly impacted Philippine architecture. It was constructed from native materials like nipa (a type of palm fiber), grass, local wood, and bamboo. The bahay kubo may not have been the most durable shelter, especially during typhoons, but in one way or another, it helped builders understand how each material performed. One of the more resilient local materials used in the hut’s construction is bamboo, which…

Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. Modernism reinterpreted what it meant to appreciate beauty in architecture by emphasizing simplicity and the idea that less is more when it comes to appearance and detail. That is why today, some buildings are designed with minimalism in mind; where subtle accents are preferred over bold styles. Places of education are no exception. However, it is also true that schools reflect both minimalist and maximalist design styles. Some universities, especially those whose formation date back to decades, if not centuries, their building’s architecture reflects whatever was the prevalent style during its inception. On the other end of the spectrum, more recently established schools appear modern, functional, yet impersonal. Schools are required to be constructed with the needs of…

The National Museum of Singapore sets a path to the discovery of momentous events and stories that has shaped the country. It is a place where social history, culture, and developmental milestones take the center stage. To stay relevant, the museum imbues an immersive voyage storytelling approach that creatively presents historical events–from colonial times and independence story to highlights of the developmental trajectory. Combining multimedia with traditional presentation of artifacts, visitors are treated with an entertaining way of understanding history. The National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest existing museum. It serves as an eyewitness to the evolution of culture and history. But how did a 173-year-old museum preserve its beauty while conserving its rich history? How did it evolve over the years and what role did architecture play…