BluPrint’s latest book Tropical Architecture for the 21st Century Volume 1 was launched at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonfacio Global City on Wednesday 16th August 2017 with co-presenter GROHE. Coinciding with BluPrint magazine’s 18th anniversary, the 200-strong audience in the intimate Global Auditorium was treated to a showcase and celebration of the very best in tropical design.

Hosting the event was the effervescent Maureen Anne Araneta, who invited the day’s guest speakers—Anna Sy (CS Design Consultancy), Benjee Mendoza (BAAD Studio), Albert Ascalon (on behalf of Ed Calma), Royal Pineda (BUDJI+ROYAL), Micaela Benedicto, Jorge Yulo (Jorge Yulo Architects & Associates) and Dominic Galicia (Dominic Galicia Architects)—on stage to each share their diverse approaches to designing in a tropical climate. Split into two afternoon sessions of stimulating discourse and exclusive project presentations, the equally riveting Q&A engaged the architectural community with the finest of Filipino architects today.

READ MORE: BluPrint travels Southeast Asia for its first tropical architecture book

A book signing with all the architects featured in the book took place in the NutriAsia Del Monte Lobby, with the bustling queue stretching past a photo exhibition of the tropical houses. For many of the guests, it was an opportunity to meet the architects and even get a customary selfie with their design heroes. All in all, the event was an apt milestone for BluPrint as it continues to champion tropical design from across Southeast Asia with this first in a new series of tropical house books—a cause worthy of a toast.

As 3rd Avenue kicked off celebrations with a funky set, the BluPrint 18th anniversary after party then continued late into the night with beverages provided by Dewar’s Whisky.

Special thanks to GROHE, ABC Phil. Inc., Furnitalia, Global Views Philippines, and Lampe Berger Philippines for generously supporting the event.

Tropical Architecture for the 21st Century Volume 1 is available from National Bookstore and Powerbooks branches near you for P1490. 

Book launch event photos

The Maybank Auditorium stage is set for the book launch

Editor-In-Chief Judith Torres speaks to the media about new book

Maite Uy thanks the event sponsors Grohe, ABC Phil. Inc., Global Views Philippines, Lampe Berge Philippines and Dewar's Whisky.

Judith Torres introduces the Tropical Architecture for 21st Century book series

Maureen Anne Araneta hosted the day's talks

Associate Editor Angel Yulo presents the BluPrint.ph website

Anna Sy (CS Design Consultancy) is the first speaker of the day

BAAD Studio principal Benjee Mendoza presents three approaches to tropical design

Albert Ascalon of Lor Calma and Partners presents the firm's design process and values

The first Q&A session with Benjee Mendoza (left), Anna Sy and Albert Ascalon (on behalf of Ed Calma)

Royal Pineda (BUDJI+ROYAL) begins the second afternoon session with his beliefs about modern filipino architecture

Micaela Benedicto relates her compositions in art to her approach to architectural design

Jorge Yulo entertains the audience with anecdotes and designing optical illusions

Dominic Galicia eloquently explores tropical design with his church projects

Dominic Galicia (left), Jorge Yulo, Micaela Benedicto and Royal Pineda sit for the Q&A part 2

BluPrint Editor Lawrence Carlos asks a question to the architects

The architectural community engages with the discussion panel

Dominic Galicia responds to questions about tropical Filipino design

Associate Editor Angel Yulo proposes a toast in celebration of BluPrint magazine's 18th anniversary

Onstage with the speakers and the BluPrint team is Alen Alban, country manager of Lixil Water Technology

The book signing in the foyer.

The book signing in the foyer

Drinks were served by Dewar's Whisky

The Lixil Philippines team enjoying the after party

Cheers!

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