UST College of Architecture’s recognized organization Architecture Network convened its first colloquium entitled Sigya, an all-woman panel event discussion featuring the power of feminism in the field of architecture, last January 24 at the Civil Law Auditorium, UST.
Fronted by female architects, the event acquainted students on the experiences and knowledge regarding a profession dominated by men. Literally meant “inspiration”, Sigya recognized the ideas and stand of women in the field of architecture and purposely influenced students on the pursuit of success regardless of career and gender.
Opening the discussion was the recently registered ASEAN architect Ar. Catherine Carunungan, one of the principal architects of Carunungan and Partners, Co. and chair for the National Convention of the United Architects of the Philippines at present. Carunungan shared information on vertical transportation, focusing on the importance, history and safety features of the elevator and the emerging trend of vertical architecture today.
Carrying her strength in market planning and strategic business communications, Ar. Cathy Saldana, one of the principal partners of ARCOGroup, continued the forum by sharing her expertise on getting local firms on top, at par with international firms around the world. Reiterating her belief on the skills and talents of Filipinos, she encouraged students on the pursuit of globalization and integration with the other countries in the field of architecture. As a pioneer in business development efforts for a Manila-based architectural outsourcing company, Saldana made a mark on students to attain specialization and establishment of one’s name in their chosen field.
Concluding the colloquium was Ar. Marie Veronique Boncan-Buensalido, Vice-President and Associate architect of Buensalido Architects. As a certified Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence professional, she graced the stage by sharing her firm’s perspective on promoting Philippine architecture. Buensalido introduced their rules on conveying the country’s architecture according to today’s contemporary taste. Such principles were also promoted specifically on the Buensalido Architects’ published book Random Responses: Redefining Filipino Architecture.
Architecture Network’s Sigya is sponsored by John Robert Powers, F.R. Sevilla Industrial and Development Corporation, Brushstroke Creatives, ADGO Architecture and Design Inc., Microcadd, Joli’s, Joyce’s, Arkitectura magazine, Archikonst magazine and Shelter magazine. – Joanne Marie A. Camello
