Shaping a sustainable future through architecture
Filipino architects joined colleagues globally in celebrating World Architecture Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Design for Strength: Crafting Sustainable Future”, is by the International Union of Architects (UIA).
A shared vision for sustainability
The celebration opened on October 6 in Teatro Arkitektura, at the UAP Headquarters in Quezon City, with Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin as guest of honor and keynote speaker.
His participation is particularly meaningful as the Danish city of Copenhagen has been recognized as the UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture from 2023 to 2026. The Danish Architecture Center also continues to lead conversations on how architecture can help solve pressing environmental and social issues.
Following the ceremony, the WAD 2025 Forum featured architects Christian Salandanan, Ma. Lui Daya-Garcia and Jose A. Miranda, who shared ideas on sustainable materials, innovative building practices, and resilient communities.
Design conversations, creative engagements
The celebration extended beyond the forum through two special Empowercast podcast episodes, hosted by architects Arjay Pasia, JP Espino, Benjie Francisco, and Arjay Gomas.
The episodes, “Design for Strength: A Vision or a Challenge for Architects?” and “Beneath the Smile: The Real Story of Filipino Resilience,” featured architects Samantha Kay Lisay, Jose Miranda, and Geomilie Tumamao-Guittap.
An Architectural Design Contest and Reels Challenge meanwhile invited students and practitioners to express this year’s theme through design visuals and short videos to engage the community further.
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, the WAD 2025 team, in partnership with local governments, schools, and environmental groups, will launch on October 12 “1 Million Bokashi Balls for Pasig River.” The project symbolizes a collective effort to help rehabilitate Pasig River while raising awareness on ecological design and community participation.
Building on this momentum, preparations are ongoing for the Philippine Architecture Festival and National Architecture Month (PAFNAM) in December, declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 1215, series of 2024.
Designing with strength and purpose
World Architecture Day 2025 reminded everyone that architecture is more than shaping spaces—it is about shaping lives.
Through collective effort and design that listens to people and place, architects continue to craft a future that is sustainable.
The author has more than 25 years of experience in architectural and interior design, corporate real estate, construction, property, and facilities management. He is also a pioneering LEED AP and WELL AP practitioner in the Philippines
