The human side of sustainable development

Proceeds from the exhibit will build TASK’s seed fund and support a continuing platform for neurodivergent artists.

A sustainable property is measured not only by its environmental performance, but also by whether people of different abilities can access its spaces, participate, and belong.

Visibility and opportunity

This idea came into focus during “The Sense of Care,” a two-day fundraising art exhibition held from Oct. 29 to 30 at Sine Pop Cubao. It brought together neurodivergent contributors in visual arts, multimedia arts, music, and culinary arts, showing how a venue can provide visibility and opportunity.

The event also marked the launch of The Artists in Spectrum Kollective (TASK), which emerged from discussions among students of the Doctor in Sustainability program at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). I was among the organizers along with Aji Espinoza, Nora Galleros and Melissa May Muñoz Boado, supported by UPOU mentors namely program chair Prof. Ricardo Bagarinao, FMDS Dean Prof. Finaflor Taylan, Chancellor Prof. Joan Serrano, and Prof. Ferdinand Maquito.

The two-day fundraising art exhibition held last month also marked the launch of The Artists in Spectrum Kollective (TASK).

The program featured Erin Roleda Tejada’s paintings, with 50 percent of sales committed as seed money for TASK; pianist Janine Kyra Lim, with Pinky Marquez; The Misfits Camp through Safe Sound Studio and SineSpectrum; and food prepared by the neurodivergent crew of Cucina di Francesco, with Quentin Pangilinan.

The opening and ribbon -cutting were attended by Cid Reyes, Candy Pangilinan, Merlee Jayme, Josephine Ruiz, Ar. Chona Ponce, Ar. Rex Chua Tak, Gina Bermudo, Roberto Dumaual, and Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi.

Neurodiversity advocates Dr. Noemi Salazar, Anna Tan Pascual, Anna Recto-Legaspi, and Veronica Dee also joined, as did artists Renato Habulan, Ronnie Tayag, and Des Inosanto.

The closing program was supported by the UAP Manila Corinthian Chapter, led by chapter president Ar. Karl Vince Santos. UAP National leaders in attendance included Ar. Ana Mangalino Ling, Ar. Beth Regala, Ar. Jocelyn Lutap, Ar. Rosette Santos-Tayag, and Ar. Junie Angelo.

Residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, educational, and mixed-use properties can provide spaces for neurodivergent artists to exhibit and sell their work.

Inclusive developments

For the property sector, this raises a direct question: how can inclusion be embedded in the way developments are planned, designed, built, leased, and managed?

A building’s social performance involves physical access, the activities it accommodates, and the opportunities it makes visible.

Residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, educational, and mixed-use properties can provide spaces for neurodivergent artists to exhibit and sell their work. Lobbies, corridors, amenity areas, retail spaces, and common areas can become platforms for creative expression, not merely transitional or decorative spaces.

The online exhibition continues until December 15, 2026, with artworks and merchandise available for purchase.

This responsibility extends beyond developers.

Owners, property managers, tenants, architects, interior designers, facility operators, and community associations influence what is displayed, purchased, and experienced within a property. They can acquire artworks, host exhibitions, commission site-specific pieces, or include neurodivergent creatives in cultural and community programs.

Support should recognize artistic merit and provide fair compensation, not be a one-time charitable gesture.

Access to opportunities

The online exhibition continues until December 15, 2026, with artworks and merchandise available for purchase and selected works raffled among supporters. It can be viewed at awesomespectrumartstudio.weeblysite.com/exhibit.

Proceeds will build TASK’s seed fund and support a continuing platform for neurodivergent artists to develop their talents, reach wider audiences, sell their work, and access creative-industry opportunities.

“The Sense of Care” exhibition brought together neurodivergent contributors in visual arts, multimedia arts, music, and culinary arts.

Sustainable property development should be judged not only by the resources a building conserves, but also by the opportunities it creates and the communities it helps shape.

When inclusion is reflected in design decisions, property operations, procurement, and the everyday use of shared spaces, buildings can become active participants in a more equitable society.

The author is a LEED Fellow, ASEAN Architect, UAP Fellow, and educator with over 25 years of professional practice in architecture and sustainability