Concrete Love

For our additional work in Design class, we were tasked to select 10 of our favorite local structures, rate them and create a short write up about. Although I don't really have a single favorite building, here are the structures that made it to the list!

Henry Sy Building, DLSU

Rating: 9

In contrast to its environment, this building gives a modern touch and compensates for the lack of open space in the La Salle campus. Elevating the entire structure was a genius move - making the structure more dominant and less crowded/ claustrophobic at the same time. Some floors have indoor gardens which balance out all the concrete and that's just one of the many applications of sustainable design. 

The Mind Museum

Rating: 8

The Mind Museum is a crowd favorite - both the structure and everything inside it! It was designed by Arch. Ed Calma, one of the architects I admire most. Like many of the structures I love, The Mind Museum offered something different: a futuristic facade with openings and greens sprinkled in appropriate areas to break the heavy, metallic look.

PETA Theater

Rating: 7

Living next door to this wonder has been nothing but a privilege! From an angle, you'd see how the rehearsal/ office area connects to the balconies of the different floors, as well as the staircase that look so good with the effects provided by the glass and lights. However, looking at the building from the front, you'd wonder how an entire theater can fit inside. It's amazing how the architect was able to keep the balance while playing with different shapes and proportions at the same time.

Treveia Clubhouse, Nuvali

Rating: 8

This irregular structure really stands out in the fields of Nuvali. I actually love the entire Nuvali area - or any area where the environment is just as revered as the structure that stands there. But as for the Treveia Clubhouse, it really got my attention the first time I saw it and maybe because of its shape, strange proportions or downright weirdness, it made an indelible mark in my mind. And I mean that in a good way!

Ayala Museum

Rating: 9

Here's another crowd favorite! The Ayala Museum. This clean, modern look is a very familiar one to many people but somehow, this structure totally owns it. As if the look has been presented for the first time. The black tiles for walls, the glass, the walkway, the steps, the sculpture and the fountain... these elements make it obvious that those who thought it up really had a eye for design.

Church of Gesu, ADMU

Rating: 9

This is definitely not your average church structure. Usually, Catholic church designs take after ancient Roman architecture but, the Church of Gesu on the other hand, was able to pull off something a bit more modern. Being all while and irregularly shaped, this building really catches your eye when you go around Ateneo. It's different, yes. Beautiful, yes. And apart from all that, the architect was able to keep the design in sync with the purpose for which the structure stands.

Balai, Taal
Rating: 6

The location, interior and overall feel of this structure would most probably get a rating of 10. The surroundings are beautiful ; no question there and the bedrooms and living rooms are to die for. However, the external appearance of Balai is its only downfall. Aside from its pentagonal shape, which isn't even that noticeable, it's rather ordinary. It lacks a focal point or an accent, at the very least and for that, I gave it a 6. 

Greenbelt 5 Mall

Rating: 8

Greenbelt 5 is yet another Ayala masterpiece. Another beautiful structure that respects the environment and works well with its surroundings. If I'm not mistaken, Greenbelt won an award for it. Because of the beautiful landscaping and all the glass in the buildings that allow mall goers to see and appreciate it, people really feel one with nature. No matter how beautiful a building is, if people don't feel good when they enter, then all its beauty goes to waste.

Robinsons Magnolia

Rating: 8

The wow factor of this structure came as a surprise to many. During the construction, people didn't really expect anything out of the ordinary. But almost out of nowhere, a structure so massive started taking shape and once the park area was arranged, it transformed into a little piece of first class, right in the heart of New Manila. The variations in the ceiling levels, materials for the railing and even treatment for the windows all seemed to complete the mall's look and make it even more inviting. Such a treat for those who live nearby!

Trump Tower
Rating: 9

Now, here's a true taste of first class. Donald Trump has finally made his mark in the Philippines! This residential tower seems to scream high end. But how? What makes it different from all the other tall, rectangular prisms in the area? It may be the glass finishing, the lighting or even the accent bars that go through the whole building. Or it might be all the details, working so well together. Maybe that's what makes it a cut above the rest.