The Plight and Sustainability
of OFW Architects
Rafael A. Briones, Jr., UAP
After having gained valuable experiences through
various overseas employment opportunities in the Middle
East, Arch. Briones has set up his own practice in the
country three years ago. Currently, he serves the United
Architects of the Philippines as Deputy District Director for
Area B-4.
The Architecture of Francisco T. Mañosa,
FUAP, likha
Francisco T. Mañosa,
FUAP, LIKHA
A LIKHA Gold Medal Awardee of the United
Architects of the Philippines in 2003, Arch. Mañosa’s
depiction of Filipino Architecture is exemplified by his
architectural masterpieces such as the Coconut Palace
at the CCP Complex, the Pearl Farm Resort in Davao,
and the Amanpulo Resort in Palawan. The architecture of
Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa has been a consistent search
and development of Philippine architecture both in the
traditional and modern sense. His works are centered
on the development of indigenous materials and as an
exponent of Filipino Architecture, he has been invited to
lecture not only in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and
Thailand, but also in various schools, universities, and
UAP Chapters in the country. His lectures focus on themes
which includes Sustainable Design in Architecture &
Philippine Architecture, Green & Sustainable Resort
Design for Philippine Tourism, and Seminar Series on
Filipino Culture in Architecture.
Abstract
Tagged as “Modern Day Heroes”, the Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFW) represent a wide range of
professionals in the construction, engineering, and design
industries. As an OFW architect starts his practice and
ventures into the field abroad, his future professional
practice is often left unplanned. Should and when one
decides to come home, what then is the formula for a
sustainable architectural practice?
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